Western Cape farmers fear huge losses ahead amid unrelenting drought
Halfway through the Western Cape’s winter rainy season, rainfall remains disappointingly erratic, dam levels are still critically low and farmers are anxious, with big losses expected.
Agriculture is the backbone of the province’s economy. The Western Cape produces more than 50% of SA’s agricultural exports, with the EU being one of the biggest export destinations.
The drought has already taken a toll on agricultural production. An analysis by economists in the Western Cape department of agriculture found that a 10% reduction in yields as a result of the drought could cost the economy R3.2bn and place 17,000 jobs under threat.
"Our research also shows that a 30% loss of agricultural water in the Western Cape could lead to losses in farm income to the total of R309m," says provincial economic opportunities MEC Alan Winde.
Apple exports are down 9% and pears 6% on 2016 as a direct result of the drought, says fruit industry body Hortgro.
Regarding orchards and vineyards, Carl Opperman, CEO of Agri Western Cape, a body that represents farmers says that no water is available for after-crop irrigation. This, he says, will have an effect on the 2018 harvest.
"The Western Cape is responsible for about 24% of SA’s total GDP. The agricultural industry’s total contribution to the Western Cape’s GDP is 4%. Agriculture, as well as the agricultural processing sector, is responsible for 18% of the province’s employment opportunities."
Winde says the drought has forced some farmers to reduce farming activities, particularly in respect of planting, and this may have contributed to slower growth in jobs in the sector.
To mitigate the effect of the drought on jobs in agriculture, the Western Cape department of agriculture has allocated R73m to farmers in the past year, he says.
The need for drought relief will increase over the next few weeks as more municipalities — including Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George and Oudtshoorn — complete their drought declarations.
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