Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has urged the agriculture sector to prepare early for the potential impacts of a strengthening El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), including hotter conditions, increased wildfire risks and pressure on water resources.
Speaking to agriculture sector stakeholders at NAMPO Cape in Bredasdorp, Winde said preparations for summer must begin before extreme conditions arrive.
He stressed that farmers, agricultural organisations, municipalities and government must take steps now to reduce risks and protect livelihoods.
The Premier said recent experience has highlighted the importance of proactive planning as climate change increases weather-related risks.
ENSO is a global climate cycle driven by changes in Pacific Ocean temperatures. It is currently in an El Niño phase and is expected to strengthen in the coming months.
Although El Niño's strongest effects in South Africa are generally felt in summer-rainfall regions, the Western Cape can also face higher temperatures, increased wildfire danger and additional pressure on water resources.
Winde pointed to the province's recent wildfire experience, noting that more than 200 000 hectares were affected during the previous fire season.
He urged residents and landowners in high-risk areas to clear vegetation, maintain firebreaks, manage biomass and remove invasive alien plants to reduce fire risks.
Western Cape Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism MEC Dr Ivan Meyer also called for early action, saying farmers had already shown their ability to adapt during previous climate challenges, including the severe drought between 2014 and 2016.
The provincial Department of Agriculture will work with sector stakeholders on measures to limit the impact of ENSO on agricultural production, food security and the economy.
These include strengthening conservation agriculture, improving water-use efficiency in irrigated areas, supporting dryland production, strengthening risk-management systems and providing support to agricultural workers.
Speaking to agriculture sector stakeholders at NAMPO Cape in Bredasdorp, Winde said preparations for summer must begin before extreme conditions arrive.
He stressed that farmers, agricultural organisations, municipalities and government must take steps now to reduce risks and protect livelihoods.
The Premier said recent experience has highlighted the importance of proactive planning as climate change increases weather-related risks.
ENSO is a global climate cycle driven by changes in Pacific Ocean temperatures. It is currently in an El Niño phase and is expected to strengthen in the coming months.
Although El Niño's strongest effects in South Africa are generally felt in summer-rainfall regions, the Western Cape can also face higher temperatures, increased wildfire danger and additional pressure on water resources.
Winde pointed to the province's recent wildfire experience, noting that more than 200 000 hectares were affected during the previous fire season.
He urged residents and landowners in high-risk areas to clear vegetation, maintain firebreaks, manage biomass and remove invasive alien plants to reduce fire risks.
Western Cape Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism MEC Dr Ivan Meyer also called for early action, saying farmers had already shown their ability to adapt during previous climate challenges, including the severe drought between 2014 and 2016.
The provincial Department of Agriculture will work with sector stakeholders on measures to limit the impact of ENSO on agricultural production, food security and the economy.
These include strengthening conservation agriculture, improving water-use efficiency in irrigated areas, supporting dryland production, strengthening risk-management systems and providing support to agricultural workers.
