By Maphari Machaka and Maite Theka
Farmers reminded that the protection of natural resources is everybody’s responsibility to protect livelihood.
Various parts of the province have recently experienced an increase in wildfires. The consequences were that millions of hectares for grazing areas have severely affected including the red meat industry.
The dry season, changes in land use, change in climate, land clearing, lightening and other related human activities such as cigarette butts are among other factors to blame for fire outbreak while leaving land more vulnerable.
As a matter of concern, the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) call for the community to join hands in the fight against deforestation and how to manage veld fire. The call was made during the campaign at Mashashane Tribal Authority on 19 October 2023.
Veld fires pose serious threat to property, further causing pollution to the air and water consumed by humans. It severely affects the livelihood in such that it destroys trees, farming land, species of wildlife and the economy of the country.
Farmers converged in the hall were pleaded to work hands in glove with government to prevent veld fires. They were pleaded to protect their areas from unnecessary cutting of trees, which will later cause the deforestation, and further causing unnecessary fires in this dry season. Farmers were urged to follow the principles as follows: preparedness to grade alongside their inner fences for fire breaks, always have fire prevention equipment including protective clothing and grass beaters to extinguish the fire, join Fire Protection Association (FPA) which is established in every municipality and finally have fire emergency number.
This will go a long way in sustaining the land management issue hence regenerating the economy and create much needed jobs.
In her presentation, Makananisa Fhunzani noted that the veld fires can affect climate through the thick smoke, the emission of gas which can damage the ozone layer and disrupt the weather.
Farmers were further urged to adapt to smart agriculture as the seasons change.
Veld fires destroy trees, farming land and subsequently the economy of the country.
Presenting in climate change, Fhunzani Makananisa says the emission of gas can damage the ozone layer and disrupt the weather.
