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Climate Change - Protecting Our Vulnerable Assets
The Impact Of Climate Change on SA's Farming, Flora and Fauna
By Shumirai Chimombe
It’s Spring in SA and parts of the country have been covered in a kaleidoscope of colours from the wildflowers that spring into bloom at this time of the year.
South Africa boasts a rich diversity of plant and animal life that is worldrenowned. It hosts three of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots. These are the Succulent Karoo ecoregion, the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany corridor, and the Cape Floristic Region - South Africa’s most famous biodiversity hotspot with the highest concentration of plant species in the world. It contains an estimated 9 500 species, of which 70% only grow here.
Agriculture and biodiversity are vital assets of the country, with agricultural exports and ecotourism being key contributors to the South African economy. However, these assets are vulnerable to the ongoing threats of climate change increasing the intensity of droughts, heatwaves and severe flooding in some parts of the country. This in turn could affect South Africans by reducing incomes, undermining food and water security, and raising the cost of living.
This is according to a report that was released this year by climate change researchers at the University of Cape Town (UCT). Titled ‘Climate change impacts in South Africa: What climate change means for a country and its people’, the synthesis report is aimed at policymakers, media, the private sector, civil society, academics, and anyone looking for country-level information on how climate change can have a cascading effect on people’s lives.
Agricultural land covers about 80% of South Africa’s total area, with commercial farms accounting for three-quarters, producing field crops, horticulture, livestock and animal products for the domestic and export markets. There are about 2 to 3 million smallholder farmers who produce food for their own livelihoods or for limited sale.
The sector, which includes farming, fishing, forestry and hunting accounted for 10% of export earnings and contributed 2.5% to the GDP in 2021/22. Farm stays, wine-tasting and other agritourism activities generate additional income for farmers and seasonal workers while biodiversity tourism is a growing contributor to the economy.
Being Part of The Solution: Building Resilience and Reducing Greenhouse Emissions
South African farmers - commercial and small-scale alike - have long demonstrated their resilience, their ability to adapt to ever-changing seasonal rainfall and temperatures. They are aware of the threat posed by climate change and are responding by adopting sustainable new farming methods. Conservation agriculture to improve drought resilience through soil carbon retention is now widespread in dryland farming areas.
Irrigation efficiency has improved, crop and cultivar selection are used in response to variable seasonal climates, and dependence on chemicals has reduced. In addition, technologically enhanced and more accurate medium- and short-term weather forecasts now allows farmers to be better prepared for extreme weather.
In addition, farmers are tapping into the experience of their predecessors for important decision making. Indigenous knowledge of weather and climate forecasting as well as water resources management that have been in existence for generations have found their way to the fore. For example, some farmers are harvesting rainwater for use during dry months to extend the growing season.
This infographic shows a snapshot of how climate change can have a cascading effect on the lives and livelihoods of South Africans.
As commercial farmers have more access to technologically advanced methods to respond to climate change, the government is extending assistance to smaller-scale farmers which includes providing consultancy services, seeds, access to veterinary services and facilitating access to loans and insurance. Additionally, there is a concerted effort from both the public and private sectors to facilitate the transfer of skills, knowledge and techniques from commercial farmers to emergent small-scale farmers aspiring to move towards a more commercial status.
Ultimately, the severity of future climate change impacts will depend on how the world commits to reducing global emissions. The report concludes on the note that South Africa faces the difficult task of radically reducing its economic dependence on emission intensive sectors.
South Africa has excellent wind and solar resources, and much of the country’s economic future hinges on the speed with which investments in renewable energy can replace coal and provide affordable and reliable electricity.
