{
  "id": 17781421,
  "title": "El Niño conditions threaten prolonged dry spells, food production in Ghana – GMet",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/el-nino-conditions-threaten-prolonged-dry-spells-food-production-in-17781421",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-02T10:00:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Adom Online",
    "slug": "adom-online",
    "url": "https://www.adomonline.com/el-nino-conditions-threaten-prolonged-dry-spells-food-production-in-ghana-gmet/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has issued an alert that persistent El Niño conditions may lead to extended dry periods across parts of Ghana, threatening agricultural production and food security. El Niño, a naturally occurring climate pattern resulting from warmer sea surface temperatures and altered atmospheric conditions in the tropical Pacific Ocean, can significantly impact rainfall and temperature patterns worldwide. Francisca Martey, Deputy Director of Research and Applied Meteorology at GMet, expressed concern during an appearance on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on November 2. She noted that the country should anticipate warmer temperatures and below-normal rainfall in the months ahead, as the weather phenomenon continues to influence rainfall patterns. Martey reported that the effects were already being experienced, with much of the country facing relatively dry conditions and limited rainfall since September. She explained that GMet's September-October-November seasonal forecast predicted below-normal rainfall across most regions, accompanied by above-normal temperatures and protracted dry spells. These conditions were expected to persist through the December-January-February period, coinciding with the upcoming Harmattan season, known for its dry air and dusty winds. Martey cautioned that the northern parts of Ghana, due to their higher vulnerability to El Niño-related rainfall deficits, could be disproportionately affected. She warned that prolonged dry conditions could jeopardize water availability for farming, especially as stored rainwater in some communities and farming areas gradually diminishes. To mitigate potential impacts on agriculture, Martey encouraged farmers to adopt climate-smart practices, such as mulching, to conserve soil moisture. She urged them to remain vigilant against crop pests and diseases that could exacerbate under the prevailing weather conditions. Beyond agriculture, Martey cautioned that reduced rainfall across West Africa could affect water resources shared by Ghana and neighboring countries, potentially impacting the Volta River system and water availability. She also noted that reduced inflows into the Akosombo Dam could hinder hydroelectric power generation. GMet is actively engaging stakeholders in agriculture, health, and water resources management, as well as the general public, to raise awareness and bolster preparedness. Martey advised Ghanaians to take precautions against the anticipated hot and dusty conditions, including staying hydrated and protecting themselves from dust.",
  "summary": "The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has warned that persistent El Niño conditions could expose parts of Ghana to prolonged dry spells, potentially affecting agricultural production and food security. El Niño is the warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a naturally occurring climate pattern involving fluctuations in sea surface temperatures and atmospheric conditions over […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "El Niño conditions threaten prolonged dry spells, food production in Ghana – GMet",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/02/el-nino-conditions-threaten-prolonged-dry-spells-food-production-in",
        "published": "2026-11-02T08:35:44.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}