Rainfall over the country from the end of winter 2012 to the end of April 2013 was below normal over much of the central interior with drought reports from the North West province and parts of Limpopo. The remaining areas of the country received near normal to above-normal rainfall.
Summer crop yields were reported as low in many summer rainfall areas, partially as a result of poor rain. Generally, the veld and livestock are in reasonable to good condition, except in the areas experiencing drought. The level of dams is above 70% in most provinces, except the in the Western Cape where it is at about 56%.
The Famine Early Warning System Network report released in May 2013, states that most rural households across the region will maintain minimal (IPC [Integrated Food Security Phase Classification] Phase 1) food insecurity outcomes between April and June.
However, a few localised areas in southern Mozambique will experience minimal (IPC Phase 1) and stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes in the presence of assistance, while parts of Lesotho will experience minimal (IPC Phase 1) outcomes in the presence of humanitarian assistance between April and June.
Rainfall is anticipated to be below normal in the southern and extreme western parts of the country, but above normal in the central and north-eastern parts during mid-winter 2013. Maximum temperatures are anticipated to be below normal and minimum temperatures are expected to be above normal.
As rainfall is anticipated to be below normal in the west, i.e. parts of winter rainfall areas, farmers are advised to choose suitable cultivars and continually conserve water and other resources in accordance with the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (Act No. 43 of 1983).
Farmers in all areas are advised to keep the number of stock in balance with carrying capacity and make provision for additional feed, including licks, to give livestock sufficient nutrition during the cold winter months. Conditions conducive to veld fires continue to pose a hazard in the winter rainfall areas that are still dry, as well as some summer rainfall regions which reported dry conditions.
Preventive measures should therefore remain in place, e.g. maintenance/construction of firebreaks. Cold front activity is likely to increase, therefore isolated incidents of flooding are possible in the winter rainfall areas and very cold conditions in most areas of the country. Measures for these conditions should be maintained, i.e. proper drainage systems, relocation of livestock and movable assets to a safe place.
The Disaster Management Act (Act No. 57 of 2002) urges provinces, individuals and farmers to assess and prevent or reduce the risk of disasters using early warning information.
Enquiries:
Steve Galane, Acting Chief Director: Stakeholder Relations and Communications
Cell: 083 635 7346
Tel.: 012 319 7312
E-mail: SteveGAL@daff.gov.za
