Newsroom

Muifha Tshifhiwa

The recent snow due to drops in temperatures to the freezing point that caused severe damage to agricultural activities in some parts of Limpopo is a clear indication that climate change is here.

Climate change is a growing concern across the globe. It interferes with farmers’ production and makes it difficult for them to acquire the expected yields.

The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD), Vhembe West Agro Ecological Zone held an information day in a bid to encourage farmers on disaster prone areas to adopt the climate smart approach.

The event was held at Makhado Local Municipality Chamber.

It is well-known that Limpopo is prone to natural disasters ranging from heavy rain leading to floods, drought and excessive heat that become more frequent and last longer. Other natural disasters that often wreak havoc in the province that threaten the livelihood, economy and food security include Foot and Mouth Diseases, Fall Army Worm, Avian Flu Influenza and lately, was the black frost that hit hard to especially potato growers. Some disasters can be man-made, such as veld fires, said Funzani Makhananise from LDARD Disaster Management.

Makhananise shed more light on other effects affecting climate change like the rise of greenhouse gas concentration, loss of animals and insufficient food source. She made assertion that the unfortunate reality is that human beings do not always have control over other factors such as El Niño. But advised farmers to adopt and practice climate smart on crops and climate resilient on livestock as some of the mitigating factors to combat the challenges of climate change.

Caring of the land against unnecessary veld fires and protection of natural resources to optimise productivity and sustainability was regarded as the responsibility of the users, which are farmers. Khakhu Maboho of Land Care and Land Use Planning, echoed with Makhananise’s presentation that Climate Smart Agriculture is an initiative to address the climate change.

The increase in animal mortality in Vhembe due to diarrhoea is a cause for concern. Dr Masaka Mburu a State Veterinarian advised livestock farmers to always check out their animal droppings, which he said can tell a lot about the animal’s wellbeing. He mentioned that proper feeding with nutrition programme can assist the affected animals to bounce back.

Dr Mburu further advised farmers to call the Veterinarian immediately if the see swelling, puss in the animal mucus, and swollen joints since those cannot be addressed by applying basic knowledge but Veterinarian.

Ananias Budeli, Deputy Director for Vhembe west AEZ conceded that the session was an initiative aimed at linking the departmental services with the farmers. “The session will also create a platform to enlighten farmers about the successful, productive, sustainable, and profitable farming practices in the advent of the ever-changing climatic conditions”.