In the SADC region, 90% percent of agricultural production is rain-fed leaving only 10% to irrigation. These statistics strengthen the argument that weather and climate are one of the biggest production risk and uncertainty factors impacting on agriculture systems performance.

As the season commences, it is important that the regional staff are prepared to monitor and assessment the performance of the agricultural season. The monitoring will involve, the evaluation of rainfall performance, crop condition and estimation of potential yields and production. To do this, the staff have to be equipped with appropriate tools and methodologies. FAO has developed tools and methodologies for food security monitoring and assessment. These tools and methodologies that will be shared with the Member States during the workshop.