South Africa is very familiar with water scarcity – something that will probably remain a challenge in the foreseeable future.
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is involved as a partner in addressing the issue via the Giyani Local Scale Climate Resilience Programme in the north-eastern part of Limpopo Province.
UWC Earth Sciences Associate Professor Nebo Jovanovic said it is a community-advised and led programme demonstrating climate-adaptive responses and solutions for improved water utilisation in the Giyani Municipal area.
The programme is a partnership funded by the Government of Flanders, led by the Water Research Commission. Other partners include Tsogang Water and Sanitation and the Association for Water and Rural Development (AWARD).
Together, they are currently hosting a three-day WRC Knowledge Transfer Products Expo from 28 February to 2 March in Limpopo with the aim of demonstrating water-wise technologies able to improve emerging farmers’ resilience to climate change and increase agricultural production.
“The Expo will offer training and demonstrations for the emerging farmers and local entrepreneurs on climate smart technologies. It is an opportunity to engage with stakeholders and innovators in technical discussions.
“This will also bring exposure to innovative farming practices, new farming opportunities and irrigation management for the small-scale farmers in Giyani. Moreover, on the last day of the Expo small- to medium-enterprises and the small-scale farmers will be given an opportunity to showcase their business products at a pop-up marke setup,” said Prof Jovanovic.
The event takes place at the Mopani Farmers Association Distribution and Packhouse Centre, Ndhambi village
