Farmer input key in drought dialogue and mitigations
The MEC for Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development, Manketsi Tlhape has called on farmers in the North West province to make a meaningful contribution to the dialogue in order to assist the province to pronounce on the looming drought. MEC Tlhape was speaking during the first drought mitigation dialogue which was held at Potchefstroom College of Agriculture recently.
With a theme: “Learning to live with drought and its variability: taking agriculture forward in Bokone Bophirima”, the dialogue was aimed at sharing knowledge and taking stock of implemented drought projects in order to have a clear understanding on the concept and lessons to be learned. The dialogue was also meant to establish current and ongoing drought rehabilitation and mitigation, policy development and research programme initiatives including their effectiveness, impact and challenges in view of a Provincial Policy Framework as well as to further strengthen and expand a Provincial network.
The impact of climate change, which led to the western part of the country dry, has affected the North West province and this has led to it experiencing frequency of drought in the recent years. An evaluation done by the department has also revealed that the province is facing poor conditions in both crop and livestock commodities and that is due to the sporadic rainfall accompanied by several heat waves as experienced this year.
Speaking to the farmers, MEC Tlhape encouraged them to work together with the department in dealing with the challenges they are facing. "We have called you here so that we can have a fruitful discussion. If we are to deal with the current challenges in farming then we would need to work together," she emphasised.
MEC Tlhape said she was happy that the dialogue has taken place. She highlighted that based on the presentations and the engagements of the day, there would be a need for the department to compile a report for the attention of the Premier which will allow him to declare a state of disaster in the province. "This report will be sent to the National Treasury to seek relief through the Emergency relief grant. Tlhape said it was important for the dialogue to take place so that the views of the Agricultural sector are taken into consideration.
When delivering Key note address of the day, Premier Supra Mahumapelo said it was important all key role players work together to mitigate drought. Premier Mahumapelo said that key to the process is the involvement of the private sector and particularly the support of the insurance companies to the farmers. "The reason we get insured is because of unforeseen circumstances. But when this circumstances happen we see some of these companies withdrawing from that responsibility," Premier said.
He emphasised the need for a dialogue between the insurance companies and those they have ensured. He said the level of confidence in investors should be boosted by the relationship of these companies and those they have insured.
Premier Mahumapelo further emphasised the need to engage as a way of overcoming the challenge of drought. He says the time is right for stakeholders to sit and come with innovative ways to deal with drought. Mahumapelo said government is ready to engage with all stakeholders in order to mitigate against farming risks.
The Deputy Minister of the National Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, General Bheki Cele who also graced the event, spoke unanimously with other key speakers on the need to engage. He said the dialogue will assist the province in coming up specific solutions and intervention strategies to dealing with drought, on a short, medium to long term basis.
Deputy Minister emphasised the need for young people to be brought closer to government initiatives. He further said young people have an interest and they therefore need to be supported.
Further to the dialogue, the department is also undertaking the Drought Relief Assessment process. MEC Tlhape encouraged the farmers to participate as the process will assist the department to determine how drought has affected farmers and therefore would really need relief.
Enquiries:
Ms Thandiwe Moripe
Acting Director: Communication Services
Tel: 018 389 5337/8
Cell: 071 862 4270
E-mail: tmoripe@nwpg.gov.za
