Research
Extent of irrigated agriculture in South Africa: the new status quo?
by Caren Jarmain, Adriaan van Niekerk, Jascha Muller and Ruben Goudriaan
A novel approach is being developed to routinely update outdated estimates related to South African irrigated agriculture, specifically crop water use and the surface area utilized. This article sheds some light into recent research findings. With the project entering its final year, feedback is being solicited.
This past year South Africa has been in the grip of a severe drought – some areas have been experiencing these conditions for more than two years. As a consequence, large areas under rainfed agriculture have been greatly affected. Many irrigated areas have also been affected adversely, resulting in water conservation measures and water restrictions imposed, with water supplies substantially cut.
Without water, no agricultural production can take place. As a result, in the midst of an extreme event, questions often arise around water management:
• Do we know the extent of irrigated agriculture?
• Do we know how much water is used by and needed for irrigated agricultural production?
• Do we know how much water is available in different water management areas?
• Considering the uncertainties of the future: how can we empower ourselves with knowledge to ensure that we apply available water resources sustainably?
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SABI | APRIL / MAY 2017