Following climate change and a string of subpar harvests, including declared droughts in the previous years, residents were ecstatic about the rainfall, but their joy was short-lived because of the continuous rainfall. Furthermore, many people, particularly farmers, feel anxious and distressed as a result of the constant rain. In many areas across the country, flooding brought by persistent rainfall has damaged properties, roads and other vital infrastructure. In December 26, 2024 in Tonota village, it was reported that two bodies had been recovered from Tholotsane River in Tonota, following reports that a group of individuals was swept away by floods in the early hours of that morning.
The chairperson of Tonota, Tutume and Masunga (TOTUMA) commercial farmers association, Steven Pillar, told Mmegi that although they are happy that the rain has finally arrived, the constant downpours are also costing them. He also said because of the ongoing rain, their hopes for a successful ploughing season and an abundant harvest were crushed when they received the first rain of the year in December last year. Pillar stated that most of their members and other farmers in the area have not planted their fields yet. "Some of them have trouble harrowing because the soil is too wet," he continued. Harrowing is best done when there is some moisture on the surface of the soil so that the tines can bite and move the soil, before the ground becomes wet and saturated at depth. Pillar said other farmers are still counting their losses following the severe recent floods. He said some crops were washed away by the floods that occurred in some locations, making it challenging for farmer to replant.
