DStv Channel 403 Saturday, 15 February 2025

Farmers must change to face climate change, says economist

JOHANNESBURG - After three years of abundant rain brought by La Nina, the country now faces El Nino's dry weather spells.

This is proving disastrous for farmers.

Farmers are also struggling to get their produce to market due to deteriorating road infrastructure.

READ: Road to food insecurity | Production costs grow due to poor roads

FNB Agricultural Economist Paul Makube says while there's no food security crisis yet, we can easily get there.

He says it's important for farmers to adapt in the face of climate change.

READ: Global warming made Horn of Africa drought possible - report

"Indications are that we are fully heading into an El Nino situation which is characterised by a dry spell which is not good for the agricultural sector.

"It is necessary for farmers actually to adapt to those changing climate situations, given the fact that during the dry season the crops are halved, livestock, pastures deteriorate and therefore farmers have to be forced to liquidate their stock."

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