Beyond the farm gate: FruitLook unlocks bigger picture

Abstract

Changing farming conditions due to climatic shifts are already a reality. Globally, the year 2016 was the hottest year ever recorded, surpassing the exceptionally high temperatures of 2015. During this period South Africa experienced one of its worse droughts in decades, putting a strain on producers and consumers alike. South Africa, like the rest of southern Africa, is expected to be vulnerable to food insecurity, water scarcity and climate change over the coming decades. The agricultural sector is the biggest consumer of water and therefore most vulnerable to the expected change in weather patterns caused by climate change. Water availability is set to be the single biggest factor in limiting agriculture production. Already water issues are compounded by the fact that demand outstrips supply in many parts of the country. “Alternative sources of water will have to be found, and we need to reuse what limited water sources we have as much as possible.

Authors

Categories