North West looks like a desert

Grain lands are parched and dry with all the soil moisture evaporated due to relentless winds and temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C. Grazing is all but destroyed.

Less than 15% of the province’s hectares earmarked for grain plantings have been planted so far and the little grain that was planted is struggling in the extreme conditions.

Farmer’s Weekly journalist in South Africa’s central region, Annelie Coleman, compiled this photo gallery after a road trip between Leeudoornstad, Wolmaransstad and Makwassie.