Critical drought areas receive R48,1 million in fodder support

Hay bales harvesting in golden field at sunset

Despite the recent rains, large parts of the Western Cape, specifically the Central Karoo, Little Karoo, and the Northern parts of the West Coast, are still experiencing drought conditions.

For this reason, the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA) has disbursed drought support totalling R48.1 million to farmers in the worst affected areas in these regions.

Based on its Provincial Risk Assessment, including technical veld assessments, the WCDoA distributed  4065 fodder vouchers over three months (April -June 2022) to livestock farmers in critical drought areas.

Provincial Risk Assessments are undertaken to determine, amongst others, the current status of the prevailing drought through the evaluation of the natural veld conditions. The natural veld condition is an excellent indicator to identify areas still experiencing a drought.

Areas with below-average rainfall predicted for the next eight months were prioritised for support.

In the 2021-2022 financial year, the WCDoA implemented the following drought risk reduction interventions:

  • R12 million in drought fodder was allocated to support farmers in Central Karoo, Garden Route, Overberg, Cape Winelands, and the Matzikama area in the West Coast District.
  • R235 000 in seed support to 22 farmers in the Garden Route and Central Karoo District.
  • R29 million for the removal of invasive alien plants.
  • R11 million  was allocated for river protection works to ensure water security and protect viable agricultural land and ensure ecosystem functioning and
  • Fencing projects totalling R8.75 million are currently being implemented in the Central Karoo, Garden Route and the West Coast Districts.

The WCDoA is committed to supporting farmers in drought-stricken areas. However, the nature of the support will be determined by the outcome of future provincial risk assessments.

 


Media Enquiries

Daniel Johnson

Spokesperson for Minister Ivan Meyer

Tel: 079 990 4231

Email: Daniel.Johnson@westerncape.gov.za

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