Agri SA said drought-relief was needed to allow farmers to produce sufficient food to maintain national food security.
Farmers affected by the second consecutive year of drought conditions were already experiencing severe financial losses that, in turn, made it difficult for them to pay off loans and to reinvest in agricultural production. If left unmitigated this situation would result in even lower crop production, increased layoffs of farmworkers, and further escalations in food prices.
“This is a serious situation and we call for urgent interventions to lend assistance to affected farmers, both established and emerging,” said Agri SA president Johannes Möller.
Agri SAsaid that it was closely monitoring climatic conditions and had begun working towards engaging with financial institutions, agricultural industry representatives, government stakeholders and disaster risk specialist, regarding the drought situation.
Aerial view of the devastation caused in northern Zululand by the extreme drought conditions there. (Photo courtesy of Kwanalu)
The Mzinyoni Dam in northern Zululand’s Jozini area has shrunk to the extent that desperately thirsty cattle are becoming stuck in the mud and dying. (Photo courtesy of Justin Bend/The Siyazisiza Trust)
Even household gardens in northern Zululand are failing due to the extreme drought, putting the food security of the rural residents there in jeopardy. (Photo courtesy of Justin Bend/The Siyazisiza Trust)
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