The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned members of the public against the consequences of the Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET)’s 2016 Annual Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP).

The SRP contains rainfall pattern and temperature outlook as well as the possible socio-economic implications for the country, especially the North-West states.

Addressing a stakeholders preparedness meeting held at NEMA’s conference room in Kaduna on Sunday, the North-West Zonal Coordinator, Alhaji Musa Ilallah, noted that this year’s annual SRP predicts rain pattern and temperature outlook with late onset of the season, lower than normal rainfall, early cessation and more frequent dry spell which will lead to crop failure by the month of May to July 2016.

The NEMA Zonal Coordinator lamented that the implications of the SRP are negative due to extreme weather conditions and may result in Crop Failure, Drought (Threat to food security, Threats to human/livestock/animals lives), Health issue and Flood, among others.

He advised agriculture extension workers on the need to embark on massive enlightenment/awareness campaigns for farmers to embark on dry season farming and provide farmers with early maturing seedlings and crops for this year’s rainy season.

Ilallah also advised states ministries of agriculture and resources to build more earth dams or/and rehabilitate existing one for all year round farming.

He further advised ministry of agriculture to embark on mass planting of trees in all nooks and crannies of the zone

“Adoption of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) strategies against flood, drought, and desertification and effective collaboration among stakeholders through team work and enforcement of laws/legislation will aid in curbing the anticipated menace,” Ilallah added.

•Photo shows NEMA, DG Muhammad Sani-Sidi.