Water Wheel May/June 2021: Agriculture And Water

Abstract

South Africa’s agricultural water scenarios: The future we choose? The challenges of feeding South Africa’s growing population in a climate-altered, resource-constrained future are substantial. The availability of freshwater presents one of the greatest risks to South Africa and the global economy at large. Other priority risks are related mainly to climate change, biodiversity and ecology. These risks would affect a wide range of economic sectors and livelihoods, impact infrastructure and catchment management, and the management of demand into the future. The challenge is to produce more food with the same amount or less water, given South Africa’s water realities. This has been highlighted in new research on the country’s water management scenarios for the future. Experts from the University of the Free State (UFS) have investigated the different drivers and enablers that could determine South Africa’s water futures. This has enabled them to develop four detailed scenarios that can now inform policy responses and adaptation practices.

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