Brief
South African farmers advised six steps to brace for strong El Niño
The World Meteorological Organization warns of a very strong El Niño, prompting advice on cash‑flow planning, reserves, planting, cost cuts and spending decisions.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Bizcommunity reports that South African farmers can mitigate the impact of an anticipated strong El Niño—forecast to last until February 2027—by following six practical steps, according to the World Meteorological Organization and the South African Weather Service.
What happened
The World Meteorological Organization has classified the current El Niño as "very strong" and expects it to continue through February 2027. The South African Weather Service adds that the probability of below‑normal rainfall will rise toward mid‑summer, with temperatures likely above normal.
What the reports add
Bizcommunity details six measures: (1) create three cash‑flow scenarios—normal, weaker and severe dry year—to identify early shortfalls; (2) maintain a cash reserve to cover extra costs such as feed, irrigation electricity, repairs and transport; (3) adjust planting and livestock decisions by conserving soil moisture, limiting acreage, selecting heat‑tolerant cultivars and matching herd size to veld capacity; (4) cut non‑essential spending, postpone delayable projects and sell unused equipment, while avoiding cuts that could harm yields or maintenance; (5) protect future productivity by avoiding blanket fertilizer cuts and preserving skilled labour; and (6) monitor weather updates and adapt plans accordingly.
What was said
Bizcommunity notes that the Department of Agriculture encourages farmers to hold soil moisture, avoid over‑planting and align livestock numbers with the veld’s carrying capacity, framing these as financial decisions.
How it came about
The advice follows earlier Felo News coverage on South African small‑business challenges, including regulatory reforms discussed at GEC+Africa (see South Africa's small business minister urges regulatory reforms). While that article focused on policy, the current guidance addresses operational resilience for the agricultural sector amid climate risk.
Key facts
- The World Meteorological Organization says the current El Niño is a very strong event expected to last until February 2027. (bizcommunity.com)
- The South African Weather Service expects increasing chances of below‑normal rainfall and above‑normal temperatures toward mid‑summer. (bizcommunity.com)
- Bizcommunity recommends farmers draw up three cash‑flow budgets for normal, weaker and severe dry seasons. (bizcommunity.com)
- Maintaining a cash reserve is advised to cover extra costs such as feed, irrigation electricity, repairs and transport. (bizcommunity.com)
- The Department of Agriculture urges farmers to conserve soil moisture, limit planting, choose heat‑tolerant cultivars and match livestock numbers to veld capacity. (bizcommunity.com)
Sources
- [1] bizcommunity.com — originally reported as “6 ways farmers can protect their businesses from El Niño”
