While Day Zero was narrowly avoided in the Western Cape in 2018, the water crisis is far from over. Increasingly erratic weather brings both droughts and floods, creating food supply instability and escalating costs. With livelihoods and food security at risk, Sandveld potato farmers have turned to water-saving technologies and regenerative farming practices to keep this crucial staple on our plates.
In the hot, dry summer in the Western Cape, farmers are finding ways to safeguard the water they have, while continuing to produce food. "Water is South Africa's scarcest, most precious resource, and we need to use every drop wisely," says Monique Vlok, chairperson of the Sandveld Potato Growers Association. "We've taken this challenge head-on by investing in precision irrigation, soil moisture monitoring, and improved farming methods, and have already seen remarkable results."
Over the past decade, the water saving measures these farmers have implemented has slashed water use by an average of 20%, according to research conducted by the University of Pretoria.
One potato farmer, Johan Smit, has reduced his water consumption by 30%. "We are doing everything we can to make the best use of every drop of water. We use soil moisture probes, take evapotranspiration figures into account from the weather stations around the farm, add the crop factor and get to a precise number of how much water the potatoes need without wasting anything."
The significance of the Sandveld's ability to continue producing potatoes lies in the region's unique ability to farm potatoes for 12 months of the year, keeping national supply and prices stable. "The Sandveld contributes nearly 20% of the national potato crop. Were it not for their focus on water savings, South Africa could find itself with unaffordable potatoes in years to come," says Willie Jacobs, CEO of Potatoes SA.
"Drought in the Free State and frost in Limpopo during 2024 led to a drop in the national potato crop of only 1,97% from the five-year average. The effect on prices was however staggering, with an average increase of 37% for the year, although there were times when prices were 172% higher. "It is therefore critical that farmers maintain stable production, doing everything they can to counter the effects of adverse weather, especially in lieu of climate change," says Jacobs.
Sandveld farmers' commitment to efficiency has made them one of the most productive potato-growing areas in South Africa, with yields reaching 70 tons per hectare in summer and 44 tons in winter - well above the national average of 40 tons per hectare.
"South Africa's food security depends on smart, forward-thinking agriculture," says Jacobs. "As South Africa grapples with water challenges, Sandveld potato farmers are proving that innovation and sustainability can help overcome the challenge, ensuring a steady supply of one of the country's most important staple foods."
For more information:
Willie Jacobs
Potatoes SA
Tel: +27
hanrie@potatoes.co.za
www.potatoes.co.za