Prepare for a hotter summer

Prepare for a hotter summer due to the El Niño weather phenomenon. That’s the joint call to the agricultural sector by Premier Alan Winde and Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism MEC Ivan Meyer.

The Premier added that the province’s experience of recent years had reinforced the importance of planning ahead for the growing impacts of climate change, including the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon.

The Premier on Friday addressed a gathering of Western Cape agriculture sector stakeholders, attending NAMPO Cape, in Bredasdorp. At the event, he urged all role players to proactively prepare for a hotter summer. He said, “For our agricultural sector, preparation cannot wait until summer is upon us. Farmers, producers, agricultural organisations, municipalities and our government must all be taking the necessary steps now to reduce risks and protect livelihoods in this critical sector of our economy.”

Prepare for a hotter summer due to the El Niño weather phenomenon

The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon

According to earlier reports, the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon can be expected in the coming months over these parts. The ENSO is a global climate cycle driven by changes in ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. Wind says, “While its origins are thousands of kilometres away, changes associated with ENSO can influence weather patterns around the world.”

Prepare for a hotter summer due to the El Niño weather phenomenon — Nampo 2026.

He added that ENSO is currently in an El Niño state and is expected to strengthen over the coming months. “While the most significant impacts of El Niño in South Africa are generally experienced in summer-rainfall regions, the Western Cape can also experience associated risks. This includes higher temperatures, increased wildfire risk and additional pressure on water resources,” Winde said. The province has already seen the consequences of severe fires. Over 200 000 hectares of land were affected by wildfires during the previous fire season. He told the gathering that preparedness must extend across the entire province and every sector.

The province has already seen the consequences of severe fires

“Whether you are in agriculture, education, healthcare, local government or any other sector, we must all be prepared. It does not matter where you live in the Western Cape. We all have a role to play in reducing risk and keeping our communities safe. For those living and working in areas where the fire risk is higher, now is the time to act. Clearing vegetation, maintaining firebreaks, managing biomass and removing invasive alien plants are practical measures that can make a significant difference when conditions become hotter and drier.”

He told the gathering that preparedness must extend across the entire province and every sector.

All have a role to play in reducing risk and keeping our communities safe

Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism MEC, Ivan Meyer also reiterated the Premier’s call to action. He said, “Our farmers have already demonstrated their ability to adapt to difficult climate conditions, including the severe 2014-2016 drought period. The current response should therefore recognise the seriousness of reduced rainfall, higher temperatures and pressure on water resources.”

In partnership with stakeholders, the department will be implementing the following interventions to reduce the impact of ENSO on agricultural production, food security and the economy of the Western Cape:
“Strengthening conservation agriculture practices.
“Improving water-use efficiency in irrigated areas.
“Prioritising support for dryland production areas.
“Strengthening risk management and preparedness systems.
“Providing support to agri workers.