Bulletin

wall bulletin
AngolaMain producing and exporting countries

Authors: jbofana | Edit: lirui

National Analysis

In Angola, agriculture largely depends on rain-fed systems. The current monitoring period (July-October 2024) marks the start of the rainy season. During this period, key staple crops like maize and rice were fully sown. However, early-season crop condition graphs based on NDVI showed below-average conditions compared to the 5-year average, 5-year maximum, and the same period in 2023. Despite this being the start of the rainy season, rainfall was 56% lower than the 15-year average. In contrast, temperature and photosynthetically active radiation increased by 0.5ºC and 4%, respectively. As a result, total biomass production in the country dropped by 12%. Spatial NDVI patterns compared to the 5-year average and NDVI departure profiles also indicated below-average crop conditions. The Cropped Arable Land Fraction (CALF) fell by 19%, and low values were recorded for both the Maximum Vegetation Condition Index (VCIx) at 0.69 and the Crop Production Index (CPI) at 0.87. Without improvements in agroclimatic conditions, crop conditions are likely to remain poor in the coming months, potentially leading to reduced yields.


Regional Analysis

Considering the cropping systems, climate zones, and topographic conditions, CropWatch has divided Angola into five agroecological zones (AEZs), including the Arid zone (5)Central Plateau (6)Humid zone (7), Semi-arid zone (8), and Sub-humid zone (9).

Regionally, crop conditions were below average when assessed using NDVI crop condition graphs. During this period, rainfall was significantly below normal in all regions. The Central Plateau faced the largest deficit at -90%, while the Humid Zone received the most rainfall at 284 mm, but this was still 43% below average. Temperature changes were minor, with slight increases between 0.3°C and 0.6°C across all regions. Photosynthetically active radiation (RADPAR) showed a small increase of 3% to 6%. Biomass production (BIOMSS) decreased in all regions, with the Central Plateau experiencing the biggest decline at -26%, signaling potential challenges for agricultural output.

Looking at agronomic indicators, the Cropped Arable Land Fraction (CALF) varied. The Arid Zone saw a significant increase of 49% compared to the 5-year average, while the Semi-Arid Zone had the biggest decrease at -44%. The Maximum Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) was high in the Arid Zone (0.80) and lower in the Semi-Arid Zone (0.60), showing differences in vegetation health. Crop Intensity (CI) was generally above 100%, with the Humid Zone leading at 137%, indicating high cropping activity. The Crop Production Index (CPI) varied significantly, with the Arid Zone showing the highest value at 42.22, suggesting better-than-expected production, while the Humid Zone had a neutral CPI of 0.00, indicating stable production levels.


Figure 3.6 Angola's crop condition, July - October 2024

(a) Phenology of major crops


(b) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI                            (c) Maximum VCI


(d) Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA                                             (e) NDVI departure profiles

(g) Rainfall profiles                                                                                    (f) Temperature profiles

(g) National CPI time series graph


(h) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Arid zone (left) and Central Plateau (right))



(i) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Himid zone (left) and Semi-arid zone (right))



(j) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI (Subhumid zone)


Table 3.1 Angola's agro-climatic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, July‐October 2024

Region

RAIN

TEMP

RADPAR

BIOMSS

Current
(mm)

Departure
(%)

Current
(°C)

Departure
(°C)

Current
(MJ/m2)

Departure
(%)

Current
(gDM/m2)

Departure
(%)

Arid Zone

25

-70

22.1

0.3

1393

4

474

-14

Central Plateau

14

-90

19.5

0.4

1448

6

395

-26

Humid zone

284

-43

24.5

0.6

1325

3

830

-18

Semi-Arid Zone

7

-82

21.9

0.6

1435

4

437

-6

Sub-humid zone

79

-57

22.2

0.3

1374

5

515

-16

Table 3.2 Angola's  agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departures from 5YA, July‐October 2024

Region

CALF

Maximum VCI

CI

CPI

Current(%)

Departure from 5YA(%)

Current

Current(%)

Departure from 5YA(%)

Current

Arid Zone

34

49

0.80

114

-2.56

42.22

Central Plateau

36

-14

0.75

112

4.67

0.63

Humid zone

97

-3

0.75

137

4.10

0.00

Semi-Arid Zone

18

-44

0.60

105

0.77

0.75

Sub-humid zone

53

-13

0.73

125

8.13

0.96