Traditional weather forecasts: expert shares 5 ways Africa’s coastal residents predict floods
IN the Lapai Gwari community of Niger state, north-central Nigeria, elders predict the weather by observing a large stone in the Chachanga River. The LapanGwagwan stone serves as a tool to determine the frequency of flooding and gauge the severity of rainfall. When the colour of the stone changes to brown, it signifies an imminent heavy downpour, while a grey colour indicates either light or moderate rainfall. OLASUNKANMI HABEEB OKUNOLA, Visiting Scientist, United Nations University – Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), United Nations University This traditional knowledge helps the community to prepare for potential flooding. This is just…