Harare — Southern Africa needs relevant information and guidance on climate change if it is to adapt accordingly and avert food shortages.

Opening a three-day meeting of national meteorological services from Southern African Development Committee on Wednesday, Ministry of Transport and Communication Acting Secretary Mr Allowance Sango said more research into climate change was needed.

"What we know is that weather patterns are not behaving as before; we are witnessing more droughts and floods than before. Food security is no longer guaranteed, some of our major rivers are no longer flowing all year round and malaria-carrying mosquitoes are now thriving. Are these changes temporary or here to stay?

"Either way, we need the necessary foundation and guidance so that we mitigate and adapt accordingly where we can. This is a challenge that you have and time is of the essence," he said.

Sadc secretariat representative Mr Brad Garanganga said infrastructure inadequacies, made it difficult for the region to benefit from scientific research.