Fine-scale multi-temporal and spatial analysis of agricultural drought in agro-ecological regions of Zimbabwe

This study utilised multi-temporal satellite data to characterize droughts across the five Agro-ecological zones (AEZ) of Zimbabwe at monthly, seasonal, sub-seasonal and annual scales (2000 2018) using a combination Satellite Pour l'Observation de la Terre (SPOT) Vegetation (VGT) Project for On-Board Autonomy-Vegetation (PROBA-V) derived Condition Index (VCI). The characterized were validated, maize yield meteorological station Standardised Precipitation (SPI). showed differential spatial temporal expression drought in Zimbabwe, over 19-year period. November had highest frequency while first quarter season experienced more than second quarter. Spatially, virtually all AEZ are prone is increasingly, with region (southern Zimbabwe) being worst affected. Further, found strong positive relationship between VCI (r = 0.701, P 0.000), demonstrating utility index monitoring national level. Overall, findings from this work highlight significance multi-date national-scale analysis agricultural occurrence trends. Moreover, provides critical baseline information developing resilience mitigation strategies drought-prone areas.