Drought conditions still pervasive in Eastern Cape, despite rain

Farmers in parts of South Africa’s second largest province, the Eastern Cape, were still suffering under hot, dry conditions and water restrictions, while others had received improved rainfall.

Drought conditions still pervasive in Eastern Cape, despite rain
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Farmers in parts of South Africa’s second largest province, the Eastern Cape, were still suffering under hot, dry conditions and water restrictions, while others had received improved rainfall.

Doug Stern, Agri Eastern Cape (Agri EC) president, said that the drought crisis in the province was still far from over, and that many producers remained at risk.

He added that farmers had not received sufficient follow-up rainfall, especially those in extensive inland regions in the west of the province.

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Wayman Kritzinger, deputy president of Agri EC, told Farmer’s Weekly that some areas in Aberdeen, Rietbron and Steytlerville had not received any rain, while other areas had received sporadic rainfall.

While parts of Jansenville had received good rain, farmers had still not received the critical follow-up rain. Brent McNamara, operations manager at Agri EC, said that Alexandria had received “reasonable rain”, which had replenished grazing.

As such, farmers in this region no longer needed to buy in feed anymore. However, follow-up rain in this region was also still needed. “[The grazing] is being eaten as it’s growing,” he said.

Water restrictions of 80% were imposed on farmers in the Gamtoos Valley, Langkloof, Bavianskloof and other areas supplied by the Algoa Water Supply System in June 2018 when the Kouga Dam had been at only 6% of full capacity.

Before this, water restrictions of 60% had been in place. Fortunately, good rain in September had replenished the Kouga Dam, which was currently at more than 50% of capacity.

Kritzinger said that Agri EC had applied to government officials for relief from the water restrictions, but were told that these could not be lifted until the dam reached at least 65% capacity, in line with the Water Management Act.

Kritzinger said that Agri EC had argued that the entire catchment system was at the required 65% capacity.

He added that the water quotas were only scheduled to be reviewed again in June next year, which threatened the long-term sustainability of producers, especially citrus producers, in the area.

Citrus growers had already been forced to sacrifice older orchards not yet at the end of their 25-year production lifespan by diverting all available water to younger orchards.

Kritzinger said those producing a combination of citrus and vegetables had also stopped producing vegetables to divert water to the trees.

He said that Agri EC were in the process of drafting a communique to relevant government officials to try gain some relief from the restrictions.