Below-average rainfall was received in several western and eastern parts of the region, resulting in delays in planting, a failed first planting in Eswatini, and poor grazing conditions.
The season is off to a poor start in southern Madagascar, which is currently experiencing the impacts of a severe drought after three consecutive poor rainfall seasons.
Heavy early December rainfall in central and eastern parts of the region marked an effective onset of the rains. Forecasts indicate that the rains are likely to continue into mid-December.
Control efforts for the African Migratory Locust continued in the five affected SADC Member States. An outbreak of the brown locust was also detected in South Africa.
