Agri-SA urges farmers to embrace smart-farming in face of climate change

Agri-SA, South Africa’s agricultural group, is emphasising the urgent need for farmers to adopt innovative smart-farming techniques and technological solutions in light of the country’s continued struggle with the adverse impacts of climate change.

As climate change increasingly threatens the agricultural sector, farmers have expressed concern over declining crop yields and the mounting challenges they face.

The nation has witnessed significant changes in weather patterns over recent years, characterised by prolonged droughts, unpredictable rainfall, and a rise in extreme weather events. Such developments have cast a dark cloud over the agricultural landscape, compelling stakeholders to seek proactive measures to safeguard food security and agricultural sustainability.

Speaking on the matter, Professor Mary Scholes from the Department of Animal, Plant, and Environmental Sciences at Wits University highlights the profound impact of climate change on farmers.

Scholes observes that South Africa is experiencing a unique pattern of climate change, primarily manifesting as fluctuations in temperature and rainfall.

“We are witnessing diverse climate changes globally, but in South Africa, it predominantly revolves around shifts in temperature and rainfall,” Scholes stated, underlining the gravity of the situation.

Climate change impacts heavily on agriculture


Warming

One crucial factor contributing to the severity of the challenges faced by South African farmers is the country’s alarming rate of warming, which surpasses that of most other regions worldwide.

Scholes expresses concern over the accelerated pace of warming, which is two to four times faster in South Africa than the global average. This rapid rise in temperatures poses a significant threat to crop yields and agricultural productivity.

“As our country warms up rapidly, it will have a substantial influence on our crops,” Scholes warned, emphasising the urgency of adapting farming practices to mitigate the impact of these climate shifts.

Agri-SA’s call to embrace smart-farming solutions comes as a critical step towards resilience-building within the agricultural sector.

Smart-farming integrates innovative technologies, data analytics, and precision agriculture to optimise resource use, minimise environmental impact, and enhance productivity in the face of changing climate conditions.

By adopting these advanced techniques, South African farmers can better prepare themselves for the challenges brought on by climate change. Moreover, a transition to smart-farming practices holds the potential to minimise resource wastage, promote sustainable agriculture, and ensure food security for the nation’s growing population.

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