For two summers running there was no 'planting rain' in this province.  Working as we do with communities who live on a knife edge, where food security is crucial, it has been very distressing to see the impact of low rainfall. I can't comment about before two years ago, apart from gleaning local history from residents; I've only been around for four summers.  I was not focused on the rest of the province in the first summer.

In January, mid summer, we drove the length of the province to facilitate a workshop on the border of a neighbouring province.  We drove past fields and fields of monoculture maize, sunflowers and sorghum (our main cereals in this neck of the woods). Those that were under irrigation were lush, green and in full summer dress. Those grown in drylands were spindly, wrinkled and parched.  Up to that point we had had very little rain. Perhaps as much as 10 mm at a time about three times, each about a month apart.

A week later we drove down the length of the province again and in the interim the rains had arrived. We drove past field after field of maize drowning in 30 cm of water.

We have had many project gardens washed away in extremely heavy downpours. Including gardens on 'high' ground. The total volume of rain has been higher than the annual average in places, but it has all occured in late summer and early autumn; too late for the growing season.

Just after this we (the three of us who live in this house and work together) attended the Climate Reality training.  I was really keen to get some good ideas about how our communities can further develop resilience against changing weather patterns.

I did learn some startling facts, gained unexpected insights and met interesting people from around the world.  Did you know that Australia has had to add two colours to its synoptic chart for televised weather reports? 

Extreme weather is on the increase. The potential damage and devastation is to infrastructure, food security, water supplies, and so much more.  If I had not been a permie before now I think this would have shoved me in this same direction anyway.

I look at our garden, which has survived all the storms and we only have one broken branch to show for the weird weather, and I am pleased that we have done something right.  Our roof blew off but our food plants made it - even though part of the roof landed in the garden on top of some young trees.  Our road and local river flooded but we were never trapped. Our cucurbits from other countries have all perished from too much rain but our indigenous cucurbits have flourished and we will have a bumper harvest (jelly melon and legomane). We have had bouts of no electricity (some of which was not storm related) but we have been clothed, fed, sheltered and dry.

Right now, this late into autumn, it is raining again. 

Right now I am thankful that I am not facing these challenges from a perspective of fear or anxiety.  Right now I am grateful that I am a Permaculture Designer.  Thank goodness I have the knowledge and skills to work with what is happening. And most importantly, I am so glad we are not alone; the three of us work with other Permies who are also gaining valuable insights and skills.  

I'm not saying we shouldn't do anything about global climate change. Not at all. I'm just saying I'm grateful to be in good company as we figure our way out of this mess.