On Tuesday 17 May, the Western Cape government launched a climate change response strategy, known as Smart Agri, which sets out a roadmap to combat the impact of extreme weather events on the province’s agriculture sector.

Research and climate change modelling shows annual temperatures are rising and droughts, floods and heat waves will become more regular in the province. These trends highlighted the need for a co-ordinated response from government and the private sector to mitigate the impact of climate change.

The final assessment, and the mitigating steps it proposes, is the result of two years of extensive collaboration and engagement between the Western Cape Government (specifically the Departments of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs and Development Planning), the University of Cape Town’s African Climate and Development Initiative and a wide range of stakeholders in the private sector.

The findings show unequivocally that, if not addressed, climate change will have negative impacts on the region.

Minister Winde said: “In the recent past we’ve had severe floods, droughts and heat waves. Between 2003 and 2008, these events cost our economy over R3 billion. This assessment has told us that these events are likely to increase in frequency, underscoring the need for urgent action to protect our sector from the threats of climate change. If we do not act, potential jobs and revenue are on the line. Scenario planning shows us that if we continue without a coordinated response, the knock on effect will also mean increased food prices. It is our duty to act now to ensure we have a sustainable agriculture sector in the future.''

The final report offers tailored climate change response plans for each of the Western Cape’s key agricultural regions.