Certain crop yields in SA under threat: Expert

Climate-induced changing weather patterns in South Africa are threatening the outlook of certain crop yields this year.

That’s according to Daniel Stevens, an expert in agriculture crop insurance.

South Africa’s agriculture sector is vital for economic growth.

It contributes 3% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product and supports almost one-million jobs.

Stevens says the rising frequency of inclement weather is a serious concern for farmers especially small scale ones who are not insured.

“I think the sector has been in a challenging situation I suppose in the last few years, the change in climates also doesn’t help and I think with the reduced load shedding that has previously impacted the production of crops has reduced, so that’s a positive sign. I don’t think its all bad news. I think SA farmers in my view are extremely resilient.”