Weather forecasters announced that the rainy season would begin on June 15, 2026, marking the official start of agricultural activities in the region. This declaration by weather forecasters set a key date for farmers across the country, signaling the commencement of planting and cultivation efforts. Seasonal rainfall did commence in the eastern part of the country precisely on that date, affecting the Upper River Region (URR) and Central River Region (CRR) initially, before extending to the Lower River Region (LRR). The onset of these rains is a critical factor for farmers in these areas, directly influencing their planting schedules and the overall success of their agricultural season.
Eastern Rains Begin
Prior to the official start, unseasonal rainfall occurred in the eastern parts of the country before June 15, 2026, causing unquantifiable damage. This precipitation preceded the official commencement of the rainy season, which began as expected in the Upper River Region (URR) and Central River Region (CRR) on June 15. The early, unseasonal rains affected agricultural preparations and infrastructure in these eastern areas, presenting an unexpected challenge to farmers. While the full extent of the damage has not been quantified, the unexpected weather event presented challenges for farmers ahead of the official planting period, potentially disrupting early soil preparation and seedbed establishment. The seasonal rains subsequently extended to the Lower River Region (LRR), following the pattern initially observed in the URR and CRR, providing much-needed moisture for crops in these regions. The consistent arrival of seasonal rains in the east from June 15, 2026, has allowed agricultural activities to proceed largely as planned in these areas, despite the earlier unseasonal disruptions.
Western Drought Concerns
In stark contrast to the eastern regions, rainfall has not yet reached the western parts of the country since the official start of the rainy season, raising significant concerns among agricultural communities. Banjul, the Kanifing Municipality (KM), and the West Coast Region have reported no precipitation since the onset of the official rainy season on June 15, 2026. This prolonged dry spell in the west could prove devastating for farmers, as it directly impacts their ability to plant crops and ensure their early development. The absence of rain in these critical western agricultural zones contrasts sharply with the eastern regions, where seasonal rains began on June 15, 2026, affecting the Upper River Region (URR), Central River Region (CRR), and subsequently the Lower River Region (LRR). The continued dry spell in the west could severely impact planting schedules and crop development for farmers relying on these early seasonal rains, potentially leading to delayed harvests or even crop failure if the situation persists. The disparity in rainfall distribution notes a significant and immediate challenge for agricultural planning across the nation, particularly for those in the western areas.
Monitoring Farmer Impact
Foroyaa is actively investigating the differential rainfall pattern between the eastern and western parts of the country. This disparity could prove devastating for farmers in the western regions, where precipitation has not yet occurred since the official start of the rainy season. The investigation aims to understand the causes behind this significant meteorological divergence, which is impacting agricultural planning and planting schedules across the nation. Western areas such as Banjul, the Kanifing Municipality (KM), and the West Coast Region have remained dry, raising fears of widespread crop losses and economic hardship for local farmers. Meanwhile, the Upper River Region (URR), Central River Region (CRR), and Lower River Region (LRR) in the east have received seasonal rains, allowing agricultural activities to proceed. This stark contrast shows the vulnerability of rain-fed agriculture to changing weather patterns. Farmers Eye will continue to monitor the situation closely as the rainy season progresses, assessing the ongoing effects on agricultural communities and the broader implications for national food security. The ongoing dry conditions in the west present an urgent concern for agricultural stakeholders and policymakers alike.
