Rainfall decreased over most of the country during autumn into winter following above normal rainfall during summer that resulted in flooding in some provinces. Crop farmers continued with harvesting where flooding had not caused damage. Winter crop farmers have begun planting but delayed where below normal rainfall resulted in poor soil moisture. Livestock and veld are reported to be in good condition except in parts of the Western Cape as a result of poor rainfall. Water sources i.e. level of dams is above 70% but below 45% in the Western Cape.
The April to September 2011 Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) report states that food security conditions over most parts of the Southern Africa Development Community region remain satisfactory and conditions are expected to remain so throughout the outlook period. The projected averages to above average maize harvests are assessed to be sufficient to meet the region’s requirements for the next six months and beyond. Current reports indicate that household food access has improved and food security has been enhanced, particularly in those areas which benefited from favorable rainfall.
Seasonal forecast released by the South African Weather Service dated 20 May 2011, mentioned that during mid winter the probability for rainfall does not lean towards above or below normal rainfall for most of the country. Maximum temperatures are anticipated to be below normal for the winter rainfall areas. When the forecast does not favor above or below normal rainfall, farmers are advised to plan in accordance with weather conditions usually associated with that particular period/season in their areas.
With the seasonal forecast in mind, farmers are advised to consider soil moisture conservation strategies, use irrigation water sparingly and adhere to water restrictions. Although conditions remain favourable for irrigation farmers in the summer rainfall region as dam levels remain high in most areas, water has to be conserved continually and farmers must observe the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act, (Act 43 of 1983). Measures should be in place for veldfires in the summer rainfall areas where fuel load is high and may exacerbate the spread of fires. Localised flooding may become possible over the winter rainfall areas with cold front activity. Therefore appropriate measures to mitigate these should be implemented. Precautionary measures should also be in place for occasional cold spells i.e. snowfalls and frost.
The Disaster Management Act (Act No. 57 of 2002) requires provinces, individuals and farmers to assess and prevent or reduce the risk of disasters using early warning information. Farming communities are encouraged to be on the lookout for daily extreme weather warnings and act accordingly. The complete advisory can be accessed through provincial department of agriculture offices as well as Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) and Agricultural Geospatial Information System (AGIS) websites respectively.
For more information contact:
Steve Galane
Tel: 012 319 7960
Cell: 083 635 7346
E-mail: DAIS@daff.gov.za
