Hot on the heels of the Conference of Parties 28 (Cop28) in Dubai, climate experts in Mzansi have advised farmers on the advantages of water recycling amid the country experiencing water scarcity.
The impact of El Niño is predicted to intensify, ultimately posing a potential threat to food production and food security. Experts advise producers to use wise moisture-retaining farming methods and water recycling.
Prepare for the worst
University of Cape Town (UCT) climate scientist Dr Peter Johnston said weather forecasts are predicting hotter than normal weather but rainfall predictions are very uncertain and vary between above normal in some areas to below in most.
“We are expecting more heatwaves and thus should warn farmers to be aware of the intense heat and to do what they can to protect crops and personnel as far as possible,” said Johnston.
Meanwhile, soil scientist and senior analyst for sustainable agriculture at Green Cape Sixolise Mcinga believes the importance of recycling water during this time will help farmers because El Niño is going to hit hardest around February next year.
“We are going to be getting below-average rainfall and this affects the agricultural sector and the broader food security plan.
“It is important that farmers understand this and look at technologies or systems that will help them recycle their water and save water in their productions,” she said.
READ NEXT: Tapping into science to support soil erosion solutions in Africa
Use alternatives as possible as you can
Mcinga explained that farmers need to consider shaded systems where they can reduce water reduction and reduce circularity.
“This is where regenerative and conservation agriculture comes in, as they allow the farmer to reduce crops and soil from high exposure to sun and make sure that they retain soil residue, which increases soil moisture.
“Regenerative agricultural practices mean you have to reduce your fertiliser use and introduce a water recycling mechanism into the farm, and you are always covering your soil and making sure that you do not lose your carbon and you don’t expose your soil to oxidation which results in carbon loss,” she said.
According to Mcinga, farmers can cover their soil with a cover crop “This will improve your soil health because you are improving your biological or microbial activity in the soil and this results in much more nutrient retention and release for your crops,” explained Mcinga.
She advised that water recycling methods that farmers can use include reusing agricultural wastewater, which comes from processing facilities, and other greywater streams on site, using efficient irrigation systems. These include drip, tape, sub-surface application, and well-designed centre pivots.
LISTEN: Podcast: Uses and benefits of cover crops
Learning from the past
Meanwhile, environmental expert Professor Anthony Turton said that South Africa ran out of water in 2002 when the National Water Resource Strategy determined that 98% of all water had already been allocated to licensed users.
“The South African population has doubled since 1994. This creates a growing water demand that we do not have. And for every calory of food produced, we need about a litre of water.
“This means that an average diet of 3 000 calories per day means that three tons of water has been used in the production process,” he said.
According to Turton, 63% of all water available in the country is consumed by food production and if food production is the biggest user of water, and the population has doubled, then it’s a no brainier that the food security of the state will increasingly be based on recycled water
For Abalimi Bezekhaya senior trainer Liziwe Stofile, farmers should make use of water harvesting methods and collect water in water tanks and harvest underground water by making use of water pumps.
“Water recycling is very important. It is advisable, especially for home gardens and even methods like mulching materials help keep water in the soil, which helps reduce evaporation rates,” she said.
ALSO READ: ‘Hau! What’s up with my farm soil?’
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain.
