“It will be very difficult to meet the demand.”

The effects of increasing global temperatures have felt all over the world. From harsh weather events to abnormally bad heat waves, the trend has already caused corruption on regional crops. In Senegal, farmers are struggling to keep pace with the increasing demand for watermelon despite a less than average harvest.

What is happening?

Ideally, most Watermelon varieties It grows better in warm climates that provide a lot of sunlight and a fixed level of moisture. It is usually recommended that farmers wait until the end of the frost of the season before planting. This is because watermelon is struggling for prosperity in the cooler soil.

Jordi Valle, a founding partner for Algitama Authors GroupHe says that the harsh weather has greatly affected the agricultural industry in Senegal. One of the most influential crops is watermelon.

“Senegal weather conditions were not perfect this year, with very low temperatures at night and very hot during the day,” Valley He says. “This sharp contrast has caused fruit problems and will affect yield.”

One of the possible explanations for this is that the hottest temperatures often cause more dry conditions, with a side effect of absent moisture that is more than rainy storms. The most dry air near the Earth is burdened with less effective heat than wet air, so it is a hot day that is more able to advance to a colder night In arid circumstances. The growing global temperatures do not always lead to more varying day and night temperatures, but in areas affected by drought conditions, this problem can occur enough to influence crops.

Historically, Senegal has advanced throughout the year to the hot climate, with two distinguished seasons. The drought season lasts from November to May, while the wet season lasts from June to September. However, she faced Senegal Severe floods in October 2024 Thanks to the heavy rains along the Senegal River in Mauritania, it is associated with the release of water from the Manantali Dam.

Why is the low watermelon harvest in Senegal important?

Every year, Muslims around the world notice Ramadan, a long period of fasting and prayer. For those who participate in Ramadan, fasting occurs from sunrise to sunset. Watermelon is a very common choice to break fasting thanks to the high water content and moisturizing properties.

More than 97 % of the Senegalese population Determination of a Muslim. Valle noticed that “with the start of Ramadan celebrations soon, we expect a great demand for watermelon in the European market, as it is a product that traditionally consumes its moisturizing and shower properties.”

Thanks to the contraction of the watermelon harvest, many consumers may have difficulty finding fruits in the market. “Outside the programs, it will be very difficult to meet the demand for watermelon in the coming weeks,” Valley Notes.

As in Senegal, harsh weather events Crops are destroyed in dozens of countries. These events can affect the global food chain if climate change is not determined.

What is done about climate change that affects crops?

in 2024 studiesPoland researcher has argued about diversifying crops all over the world. This includes the need to “integrate new molecular techniques” in an attempt to find more climate “crops”.

Similarly, The most vulnerable crops Climate change is currently evaluated. As one of the most popular grains on the face of the earth, the price may rise to the high price if global temperatures continue to rise in the main agricultural sites.

On a broader level, many countries have witnessed that societies are working on Reducing the effect of global temperatures By installing innovative technologies and encouraging memorization practices. By reducing greenhouse gas pollution and using sustainable energy, we can reduce the slowing or stopping global temperatures and protect our crops.

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