In South Africa's Eastern Cape, small-scale fresh produce farmers are facing increasingly severe climate-related challenges, with both prolonged drought and intermittent flooding disrupting production. While areas like Mthatha have experienced floods, nearby regions such as Buffalo City are struggling with the opposite extreme—extended dry spells and limited access to water infrastructure, leaving many vegetable and fruit plots unproductive.
In villages including Mdantsane, Berlin, and Msintsini, several farmers have reported a significant decline in output due to unreliable rainfall patterns and insufficient irrigation systems. Farmers who once supplied spinach, cabbage, potatoes, broccoli, and bananas to their communities are now left with limited or no harvests. In Mdantsane, Sihle Ntozini, who cultivates a 1.2-hectare plot, said most of his crops have failed due to erratic rainfall and flooding. Although a stream runs through his land, water quality concerns prevent its use for irrigation.
In Msintsini, Mangaliso Balelo previously supplied fresh vegetables to residents, helping reduce the need for travel to nearby towns. However, persistent water shortages led him to cease operations. Community tanks, intended for drinking water, are not a viable alternative for crop irrigation, he said.
In Berlin Village, grower and local advocate Phiwokuhle Myoyo echoed concerns over ongoing water scarcity and its impact on farming viability. Despite years of appeals to local authorities for support, such as borehole access, she reported no progress. According to the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture, the region's water challenges are the result of long-term drought, high temperatures, and poor groundwater recharge.
Fresh produce farmers across Buffalo City have indicated that without consistent access to clean and reliable water sources, continued production remains at risk.
Source: Food for Mzansi
