By Tebogo Mabidilala
Fundzani Makhananisi presents about climate smart.
Once dry and winter season starts to peak, so do wildfires which are becoming a thorny issue in the flesh of livestock farmers.
Change in climate, change in land use and clearing or unnecessary debushing and lot of human-made activities such as cigarettes butts, are among factors contributing to the fire outbreak resulting with more vulnerable land.
Limpopo province is prone to natural disasters, including wildfires. Millions of hectares of land are gutted yearly by the blaze resulting with severe loss affecting the economy.
Veld fires do not only threaten the eco-system, but further causing threat to property, causing pollution to the air and water consumed by humans. It severely affects the livelihood in such that it affects the red meat industry, destroys trees, farming land, species of wildlife and the economy of the country.
Selekane Phahladira presents about disaster risk management and vulnerability.
Mopani North Agro Ecological Zone under the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD) in Mopani District held an awareness campaign in a quest to encourage community to join hands in the fight against this scourge. The awareness was held at Thakgalang Tribal Hall, Senwamokgope area under Greater Letaba Municipality on 25 June 2024.
Various stakeholders made their presence including South African Police Services (SAPS), Pheeha Royal Council Traditional Authority, Working on Fire, Modjadjiskloof Fire Station, and Farmers.
Community members, especially livestock farmers were advised to refrain from cutting-off of trees, which could later cause deforestation and unnecessary fire outbreaks in this dry season; farmers were further advised to grade alongside their inner fences for fire breaks (creating fire belts); 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 armed with fire emergency number in case of fire break out. This will go a long way in sustaining the land management use hence regenerating the economy and create much needed jobs, farmers were told.
Finally, farmers were advised to keep glued to weather focus updates daily. They were urged to understand and interpret percentages when it comes to temperatures, that will give guide on what is expected in their location and what safety measures must be taken to protect animals. Also urged to adapt to smart agriculture as the seasons change.
Lucas Modiba further deliberated on the importance understanding that it is our responsibility to ensure that we are responsible for prevention of climate pollution as a society. He indicated that together, “we have an obligation to prevent further damage that result from climate change which can cause disastrous events for the universe, such as heavy rains and heatwaves.”
Cigarettes butts are among other factors that contribute to the fire outbreak resulting with more vulnerable land.
