Farmers across South Africa are experiencing significant mental and emotional stress as extreme weather events, driven by climate change, threaten their livelihoods.
The relentless pressures of trying to keep their operations afloat are taking a serious toll, with some farmers describing the situation as almost unbearable.
Thabo Dithakgwe, a livestock farmer in Vryburg, North West, is one of many farmers facing severe mental strain in light of repeated disasters. The impact has been devastating, with Dithakgwe this year losing 1 600 hectares of land to veld fires.
“These recent droughts and veld fires have really affected me both financially and mentally. I’m currently struggling financially to maintain my livestock. I’ve spent so much money this year due to the drought. I haven’t received any rainfall to date,” he explained.
Average temperatures in North West often exceed 25°C during the summer months. This province sees its peak rainfall in December, with only nine days of rain on average, while August typically experiences the least rainfall. Overall, the area receives modest rainfall with averages of 2.44mm per month, contributing to an annual total of approximately 70.7mm.
Adding to Dithakgwe’s distress is the frustration of feeling abandoned. Despite government officials visiting his farm to document the devastation, he has yet to receive any tangible support. “Government officials have come to the farm to take reports but [I] haven’t received any assistance,” he said.
The lack of support has pushed him to the edge. “I’m so close to closing down my farming operation,” he added – a poignant admission of the heartbreak that comes with watching years of hard work teeter on the brink of collapse.
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Psychological impact of hostile climate
In the Western Cape, mixed farmer Roland Trout is also battling the psychological effects of relentless climate challenges.
A heatwave that began in October 2023 and stretched until March 2024 devastated his crops, and the resulting losses have been difficult to bear.
“I lost a lot of plants last year due to climate change; it makes me struggle to keep my sanity,” he said.
Over many years, Trout turned untouched fynbos into a thriving farm of vibrant flowers and ethical pig farming on the Cape West Coast. But now, relentless climate change casts a long shadow over his hard-won success. Heatwaves scorch the land, crops falter, and each loss weighs heavily on his spirit.
Trout further described how the agricultural landscape itself is becoming increasingly hostile.
His words reflect the mental exhaustion felt by many farmers who, season after season, are confronted with weather extremes they can neither control nor predict.
With each unpredictable storm or scorching heatwave, the foundation of their livelihoods becomes more uncertain, and the relentless pressure to adapt threatens to push them past their breaking point.
Finding strength in the struggle
Ashell Maenetja, a communal livestock farmer from Tlhabeleni Village in Ga-Matshwi, Limpopo, also often finds himself grappling with a range of emotions.
“This drought? I’m living under constant stress regarding farming, finance, and personal life,” he said.
The pressures of farming in an unpredictable climate, coupled with financial and personal challenges, have made anxiety and depression a regular part of his life.
Despite these difficulties, Maenetja draws strength from his dreams and ambitions. His coping mechanisms include supporting fellow farmers through his business, KW Farm Services, and holding onto the vision of a brighter future.
“Coping mechanisms come from helping other farmers, and personally holding onto my dreams keeps me going,” he said, embodying the resilience and hope that sustain many in the agricultural sector.
Seeking mental support
Thandokazi Ntuli, a Centurion-based counselling psychologist, emphasised the significant impact of extreme weather on farmers’ psychological well-being. The hardships caused by climate change are putting farmers at risk of mental disorders, she said.
“Mental health and general health of farmers is crucial in ensuring food and nutritional security for our society. However they might struggle to adapt to these conditions, which exposes them to the risk of mental health issues,” she said.
According to Ntuli, extreme weather events can trigger psychological distress, sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety. “These extreme weather difficulties definitely disrupt social and environmental settings, which results in psychological stress,” she said.
Ntuli explained that the connection farmers have with their land is deeply emotional, and when that connection is disrupted, the impact is profound. This ongoing worry about the environment not only affects farmers but also ripples through their families and communities.
“When we look into mental issues that they might experience due to these extreme weather conditions, they might find themselves dealing with low motivation, low self-esteem, and even trauma.”
Ntuli explained that farmers must access mental health support and avoid negative coping mechanisms such as increased alcohol use or social withdrawal.
“We do have certain groups in South Africa for mental health support, like the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) and the South African Federation for Mental Health. Rather than resorting to negative coping mechanisms, talk to someone, seek support as soon as possible,” she advised.
Farmers facing mental health challenges are encouraged to seek help through these toll-free emergency helplines:
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567
- Department of social development substance abuse helpline: 0800 12 13 14 (SMS 32312)
- Cipla mental health helpline: 0800 456 789 (SMS 31393)
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