In the realm of agriculture, few challenges are as pervasive and impactful as drought. As climate change continues to alter weather patterns and exacerbate extreme weather events, the resilience of farmers against drought becomes increasingly critical.
Farmers have no control over the weather, especially when the rain stays away for a long time. However, there are some preventative measures farmers can take to prepare their operations or to mitigate the impact of a drought.
In South Africa, where smallholder farmers form a significant portion of the agricultural landscape, the issue of drought resilience takes centre stage.
Here are a few articles that will share more insights from experts, farmers, and businesses to help farmers make informed decisions when it comes to drought.
Not enough farmers are drought resilient
In this article, Prof Yonas T Bahta from the University of the Free State conducted a comprehensive study on the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in South Africa, particularly concerning agricultural drought and climate change effects. His research revealed that only a small percentage of these farmers were resilient to agricultural drought, with factors like access to credit and government assistance proving crucial.
Additionally, Bahta investigated the competitiveness of agrifood commodities in South Africa and Namibia, identifying factors influencing their competitiveness and their implications for food security.
Drought-proof your farm with Agnovate’s soil moisture insurance
Agnovate offers soil moisture insurance designed to protect farmers from risks associated with abnormal soil moisture levels, catering to farmers of all sizes, lenders, and supply chain participants. This insurance is particularly crucial for dryland farmers and those in high-risk agricultural regions like South Africa, where varying soil types and moisture levels impact crop sustainability.
By leveraging satellite data, Agnovate ensures accurate measurement and modelling of soil moisture on an index basis, providing farmers with vital information to make informed decisions. The affordability and flexibility of Agnovate’s insurance make it accessible to emerging, small-scale, and large-scale commercial farmers, allowing them to customise coverage based on their specific needs and financial circumstances.
Drought: What have we learned from livestock farmers?
Droughts in South Africa are increasingly impacting livestock farmers, leading to significant economic losses and threats to livelihoods. However, some farmers have managed to mitigate the impact of drought through effective management practices.
Studies have identified key strategies employed by these “champion veld farmers”, including planning for drought during non-drought periods, reducing livestock numbers through sales to reduce dependence on supplementary feed, ensuring livestock are vaccinated and dewormed before drought arrives, and implementing rotational grazing programmes to allow grazing lands to rest.
Climate change: 5 strategies to protect your farm
Climate change is having widespread impacts on global agricultural production. While irrigation farmers normally have the benefit of using irrigation in areas to water their crops, farmers practising rain-fed agriculture are more exposed.
Farmers who rely on rain-fed agriculture have to prepare against drought when the rain stays away. Andrea Campher, risk and disaster manager at Agri SA, said no agricultural commodity is safe from global warming. “Some of the options include water-saving techniques, tillage, and regenerative farming. Then [there is] also technology and drought-resistant crops,” she advised.
In this article, Campher shares five strategies farmers can implement to help combat climate change and drought.
Water recycling: A possible solution to tackle the El Niño threat
Farmers in parts of the country are struggling following the impact of El Niño-induced droughts. Climate experts in Mzansi have advised farmers on the advantages of water recycling amid the country experiencing water scarcity.
Wise moisture-retaining farming methods and water recycling are measures farmers can take to mitigate the impact. Some solutions include regenerative agricultural practices and water recycling methods. These methods are reusing agricultural wastewater which comes from processing facilities and other greywater streams on site, using efficient irrigation systems such drip, tape, sub-surface application, and well-designed centre pivots.
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