A hotter, drier summer could put Western Cape water supplies, farms and communities under pressure, with authorities warning that the conditions that fuel wilderness are also expected to worsen.
The warning comes after more than 200,000 hectares burned across the province last fire season, while strengthening El Niño conditions are now expected to push temperatures higher in the months ahead.
Premier Alan Winde said preparations could not wait, with farmers, municipalities and communities being urged to act before summer conditions set in.
“For our agricultural sector, preparation cannot wait until summer is upon us. Farmers, producers, agricultural organisations, municipalities and our government must all be taking the necessary steps now to reduce risks and protect livelihoods in this critical sector of our economy,” Winde said.
According to the provincial government, ENSO is currently in an El Niño state and is expected to strengthen in the coming months.
While El Niño’s strongest effects in South Africa are generally felt in summer-rainfall regions, authorities warned that the Western Cape could face higher temperatures, greater wildfire danger and additional strain on already critical water resources.
More than 200,000 hectares burned last fire season
The warning comes after wildfires affected more than 200,000 hectares of land across the Western Cape during the previous fire season.
Winde said recent climate-related disasters had demonstrated why authorities, farmers, and communities needed to prepare before extreme conditions arrived.
“Whether you are in agriculture, education, healthcare, local government or any other sector, we must all be prepared. It does not matter where you live in the Western Cape; we all have a role to play in reducing risk and keeping our communities safe,” he said.
The Premier urged residents and landowners in high-risk areas to begin taking preventative measures immediately.
“For those living and working in areas where the fire risk is higher, now is the time to act. Clearing vegetation, maintaining firebreaks, managing biomass and removing invasive alien plants are practical measures that can make a significant difference when conditions become hotter and drier.”
The provincial government said its concerns extend beyond wildfires, with reduced rainfall, rising temperatures and mounting pressure on water resources posing potential risks to agricultural production, food security and the broader Western Cape economy.
Agriculture sector told to prepare for climate pressure
Western Cape Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism MEC Dr Ivan Meyer said farmers had previously shown their ability to withstand severe climate shocks, pointing to the drought experienced between 2014 and 2016.
“Our farmers have already demonstrated their ability to adapt to difficult climate conditions, including the severe 2014–2016 drought period. The current response should therefore recognise the seriousness of reduced rainfall, higher temperatures and pressure on water resources,” Meyer said.
The department will now work with industry stakeholders on interventions aimed at limiting the impact of ENSO on farms and agricultural communities.
These measures include strengthening conservation agriculture, improving water-use efficiency in irrigated farming areas, prioritising assistance for dryland production areas, improving risk-management and preparedness systems, and providing support to agricultural workers.
Early action ahead of summer
The government’s warning places renewed focus on preventative measures ahead of the Western Cape’s summer fire season, particularly in agricultural and rural areas where extreme heat, dry vegetation and constrained water supplies could have severe consequences.
Winde said the province’s experience with climate-related emergencies showed that preparation needed to extend beyond farmers and disaster-management authorities to municipalities, public services and individual communities.
The provincial government is urging stakeholders to act before conditions deteriorate, with authorities warning that a strengthening El Niño could compound the risks facing farms, livelihoods and communities during the months ahead.
Wendy Dondolo
iol.co.za