Agri Kultuur February / Februarie 2018 | Page 6

Water Conservation and Water Demand Management in the Agricultural Sector

Felix Reinders Agricultural Research Council
Institute for Agricultural Engineering

South Africa ’ s water resources are limited and scarce . The situation is worsened by the occurrence of droughts and the increasing demand associated with population growth and a developing economy . The on-going drought situation at present in parts of South Africa , particularly its devastating impact on the city of Cape Town is clear evidence of the situation . It reminds all of us in the water sector the severity of the global water situation in times to come , when such extreme events will almost become a new global norm due to climate change . The country is furthermore approaching the full utilisation of their available water resources . A strategic change in the use and conservation of water resources are therefore required to use the precious water resource as efficiently as possible . It calls for a determined preparation on our part .

There are many opportunities to increase water use efficiency in all water use sectors . Most of the sectors are expected to experience growth and use more water as the country develops and the Agriculture sector is no exception to this .
The agricultural sector is the largest water user in South Africa , with a demand of more than 60 % of total water use . Efficient use of water by the sector has the potential to play a significant role towards making more water available for use not only within the agricultural sector but also for the other sectors .
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Water Conservation and Water Demand Management ( WC / WDM ) is a fundamental step in promoting water use efficiency and is consistent with the National Water Act ( Act 36 of 1998 ) which emphasizes effective management of our water resources . WC / WDM should not be seen as punitive or restrictive but as a responsible approach that will contribute to the countries prosperity .
All consumers and water institutions have therefore a duty towards the country , the environment and themselves to implement adequate measures that contribute to water use efficiency through Water Conservation and Water Demand Management . The Agriculture sector has its role to play in this regard and certain perspectives are discussed in this paper .
The Agricultural Sector in South Africa
The Agricultural sector accounts for about 60 % ( NWRS2 , 2013 ) of water utilisation in South Africa ( See Figure 1 ). It supports a significant portion of South African economy and contributes to rural development . In addition to supplying the local market with staple foods , such as wheat , maize , potato , vegetables and various fruits , agricultural produce is also exported . South Africa is mainly self-sufficient but must supplement its production with imports of rice , wheat and meat .
Besides assuring food security for the country , the Agriculture sector contributes to
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