The reduced rainfall levels are expected to have delayed sowing activities and impeded early crop development, particularly given the low use of irrigation by communal farming households. In the central regions, crop conditions are more mixed and, in some cases, poor. In other parts of the sub-region, below-average rains were registered in Lesotho, western parts of Zambia and Zimbabwe, which interrupted and set back planting activities. “It further warns that livestock production is also expected to be curtailed by the dry weather conditions. Reports indicate that South Africa’s agricultural industry body AgriSA will approach banks, agribusiness and government to raise R3 billion (US$220 million) to help farmers hit by severe drought.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 11, 2019 07:55 UTC