Today, the Western Cape joins the United Nations member states to celebrate Desertification and Drought Day.
Western Cape Minister for Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer commended the celebration saying that by doing so, they place the spotlight on the state of the land, without which it will be almost impossible to have a productive agricultural sector. The Western Cape experienced the worst drought in centuries during 2015-2018.
Despite average rainfall returning in wetter regions, the impacts on agriculture will be felt for several years. In some parts of the arid and semi-arid Karoo and West Coast, the drought persists even though some rainfall this year has brought relief. Drought causes widespread plant mortality, loss of grazing and can lead to soil erosion.
It also causes stock watering points across the landscape to dry up. Livestock farmers were especially hard hit.
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According to Meyer, his Department has invested R21 million in 2020/21 and R29 million in the 2021/22 financial years respectively towards ecological infrastructure to create functioning ecosystems.
“As a result, 34 352 ha of invasive alien vegetation was cleared, and 1101 green jobs created. Clearing the land of invasive alien vegetation prevents soil erosion and the loss of biodiversity.” He confirmed.
The construction of stock-watering systems prevents land degradation and allows for grazing throughout the landscape. Having the systems prevents overgrazing of the veld, and farmers can thus avoid the destruction of the veld, which mitigates the impact of droughts.
“The Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) has supported approximately 2658 farmers with a budget of R450 million over the last five years. Preventing further land degradation requires awareness among our stakeholders. The WCDoA does this through capacity building interventions such as farmer days and workshops. In addition, our Junior Land Care programme plays a critical role in developing awareness and addressing issues that directly impact healthy ecosystems.” He added
Meyer concluded by encouraging potential investors to investing in activities that protect and restore natural ecosystems as this will boost the recovery from COVID-19 for communities and the economy of the Western Cape.
