Local farmers attend UL’s Farmer’s Day to learn how to sustain their businesses amid climate and water challenges. Photos: Linah Raphela
By Johannes Selepe – Mosela.selepe@ul.ac.za
As South Africa grapples with soaring temperatures, erratic rainfall, and prolonged droughts, farmers are increasingly burdened by the realities of a changing climate. These environmental challenges are no longer distant warnings; they are daily struggles
In response, the University of Limpopo (UL), in partnership with the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (LDARD), the National Research Foundation (NRF), and the Water Research Commission (WRC), hosted a Farmer’s Day at Ga-Mogano, Moshate Hall. The event focused on “Climate Change Impact, Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Small Ruminants and Poultry Production.”
Led by researchers (Prof Grace Manyelo, Prof B Gunya and Cedrick Seloane) from UL’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Animal Production, the event brought together farmers, agricultural advisors, academics, and development partners to discuss how science and innovation can shield small-scale livestock systems from environmental stress and lower their carbon footprints.
Participants addressed the increasing threats of heat stress, water scarcity, disease outbreaks, and decline in livestock productivity, which includes reduced milk and egg yields and higher animal mortality rates. More importantly, they exchanged practical, locally relevant strategies for building resilience.
Diego Matabane, a master’s candidate in Animal Production, emphasised the critical role farmers play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable farming practices. “I recommend using alternative feedstuffs and advocate for supportive policies and farmer education to drive these changes,” he stated.
His fellow student, Dimpho Mathabatha, also a master’s candidate in Animal Production, urged emerging farmers to implement energy-efficient housing, enhance ventilation, adopt water-saving systems, and adjust nutrition to maintain productivity during heat stress. “Natural feed additives can strengthen immunity and decrease reliance on antibiotics dependence, a vital step in light of the global ban on antibiotics as growth promoters,” she noted.
Kamogelo Thobejane, a UL alumnus and poultry farmer, shared his inspiring journey from graduate to agripreneur. Despite facing challenges, he successfully built a thriving business and encouraged young farmers to register their enterprises with the Department of Agriculture to access government support.
Lerato Tjale from the Climate Change Ambassadors (Molepo Cluster) unpacked the science behind climate change and its cascading effects on livestock productivity while proposing community-based mitigation and adaptation strategies.
From an animal health perspective, Alfred Malatji of Afrivet, stressed the significance of primary animal health care, illustrating how daily observation and early disease detection can prevent losses and sustain productivity.
Professor Grace Manyelo, Acting Head of Agricultural Economics and Animal Production at UL, addresses emerging farmers on the effects of water shortages and alternative feed resources for sustainable livestock production.
In her keynote address, Professor Grace Manyelo, Acting Head of UL’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Animal Production, discussed the link between water scarcity and livestock nutrition. She urged farmers to explore alternative feed resources and adopt sustainable water management practices, noting that these are crucial for the survival of small ruminants and poultry under changing climatic conditions.
“Our farmers are the custodians of food security. Empowering them to adapt to climate change is not just a necessity, it is a moral and economic imperative,” said Professor Manyelo.