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Drought survey shows severe crisis conditions in rural SA
Agri SA conducted a survey in December 2018 among its members to accurately assess the impact of the drought on farming and job creation. "The economic impact is severe, but we need to think of the human cost as well - people are losing their jobs and farms are closing down at a time when we need to strengthen food security and create more employment," said Christo van der Rheede, Agri SA Deputy Executive Director.
©Oleksandr Petrunovskyi via 123RF
"More than half of the farmers are suffering from depression and anxiety, among others, due to the challenging reality caused by the drought."
Food security is a hard-won privilege and can easily be lost due to the persistent drought.
Agri SA is planning to rally all stakeholders to support farmers and farm workers in drought-afflicted areas, as rising food prices, malnutrition and food-inequality could impact South Africa's agriculture future if nothing is done. As such, commodity organisations are concerned about the impact on commodity prices and how that will translate to farmers and consumers.
The salient points from the survey are:
• 31,000 jobs lost and R7bn lost since January 2018
• 70% of respondents struggle financially
• Over 50% reported the need to retrench farm workers
• A devastating impact on crops due to continuing drought
• An increased risk of veld fires due to the arid conditions of pastures
Food and water scarcity pose a severe risk to socio-political stability in the country. A collective effort is required to prevent a national disaster.
In the next two weeks, emergency meetings will be held on how to best assist farmers and farm workers in drought-stricken areas.
"The drought is a colossal crisis. South Africans, who are enjoying the affordable food and drink that is produced by our farmers, need to wake up and realise that food security and affordable food are at risk," said Omri van Zyl, Agri SA Executive Director.
"Since the end of 2015 Agri SA’s Drought Disaster Fund has spent more than R18m to help our farmers, farm workers and communities. We again call on the public to help."
