Current Weather in Aconibe

Equatorial Guinea is located just south of the equator and is characterized by a hot and humid tropical rainforest climate year-round. The abundance of rainfall and stability of temperatures have fostered a deep-rooted meteorological awareness in agriculture, festivities, and daily life.

Abundant Rainfall and Sense of Living

Importance of the Rainy Season

• It is mainly divided into a long rainy season from May to October and a short rainy season from November to the following April, with annual rainfall averaging about 2,000 to 4,000 mm.
• The arrival of the rainy season signals the start of rice planting and field cultivation, involving collective labor and joint management within local communities.
• Before the rainy season, a ritual called "Mbáka" is performed, where tribal chiefs and shamans pray for bountiful harvests.

Agricultural Cycle and Meteorological Awareness

Cocoa Cultivation

• Cocoa, the main export product of Equatorial Guinea, utilizes moisture from the rainy season for growth, with harvesting, fermentation, and drying taking place during the dry season.
• Farmers adjust fermentation racks and open and close drying area roofs based on weather forecasts to ensure quality control.
• A traditional "Harvest Festival," linked to ancestor worship and spirit beliefs, is held to celebrate the harvest at the community level, giving thanks for rain and sunlight.

Traditional Events and Meteorological Elements

Fiesta of Bioko Island

• On Bioko Island, where Spanish colonial culture is prevalent, music festivals and carnivals are held in accordance with the dry season.
• To avoid the strong sunlight, outdoor parades and dances take place in the morning and evening, while indoor religious events and family gatherings occur during the day.
• When it rains, there is an immediate move to covered venues, reflecting a cultural adaptability to weather changes.

Daily Life and Use of Weather Apps

Receiving and Sending Weather Information

• The use of weather forecast apps on smartphones has increased, especially in urban areas, utilizing notifications before rainfall starts and tide information along coastal areas.
• Fishermen adjust their fishing and returning timings based on weather radar information, aiding in safety.
• In rural areas, radio broadcasts serve as a primary source of weather forecasts, sharing information on seasonal climate changes and disaster warnings.

Recent Climate Change and Responses

Preparedness for Extreme Weather

• Due to the effects of global warming, disruptions in rainfall patterns and an increase in short-duration torrential rain and floods have raised the risks of agricultural damage and landslides.
• Government and NGOs are promoting "climate-resilient agriculture" and support for installing "rainwater storage tanks," working in conjunction with local self-help efforts and external assistance.
• Climate education is spreading, especially among the younger generation, with meteorological studies and disaster prevention training incorporated into school curricula.

Summary

In Equatorial Guinea, the climate is closely intertwined with culture, economy, and daily life, making agriculture that takes advantage of abundant rainfall and traditional events, as well as recent climate adaptation measures, vital components of the local community.