Mpumalanga Province usually receives higher than normal rainfall and temperatures during summer.
The La Niña phenomenon leads to an increased risk of flooding, thunderstorms, strong winds, lightning, hailstorms, migratory pests and diseases.
It also brings in its wake various animal and plant diseases, leading to crop losses and livestock mortality.
On the other hand, high temperatures lead to heat waves and drought conditions.
Already, even at the start of this summer, thunderstorms have negatively affected more than 200 sugarcane growers over 2,000 ha in Nkomazi.
This also affected pump stations along the Nkomazi and Mlumati Rivers, farm roads, access bridges and earth dams.
The Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) offer tips and mitigating strategies herewith. These should be put into practice to withstand the impact of natural disasters.
Floods/Thunderstorm Mitigation
- Relocation of affected communities on the flood line
- Preventing river encroachment
- Construction of flood protection and defence structures across major flood-prone areas
- Building of flood control dams
- Creating field contours
- Improving stormwater drainage systems on farms
- Providing shelter for animals
- Installation of hail nets over crops
Drought / Extreme Heat Mitigation
- Provide multiple water drinking points and shade for animals
- Mulching around plants to minimize evaporation
- Develop an action plan for heat stress
- Choosing drought resistant cultivars
Migratory Pest Mitigation
The sudden change from drastic heat to excessive rain creates the ideal condition for invasive pests such as the Oriental Fruit Fly, affecting sub-tropical crops and grass species.
It also affects deciduous fruits across the Highveld such as apple orchards in the Gert Sibande District Municipality.
The Fall army worm causes major damage by consuming foliage of open crops such as maize. The African army worm grows to a length of approximately 25 mm, is black with off-white longitudinal stripes and a characteristic white V-shaped mark on the front of the head section.
Cattle Precautions
- Move cattle away from affected pastures for 14+ days and immediately contact a vet if symptoms appear. Early detection is vital!
- Check your fields daily as some Kikuyu pastures may cause toxicity in cattle after an outbreak.
- Symptoms to watch for are reduced eating, excessive drooling, increased thirst, bloating and nervous twitching.
Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)
- This outbreak is due to excessive rain, leading to increased activity of virus and disease transmitting insects.
- Vaccination: Attenuated virus vaccines are the best for preventing the spread of LSD.
- Vector control: Use insecticides or repellents on cattle to prevent bites from flies. mosquitoes and midges which act as vectors to transmit the virus.
- Quarantine: Isolate affected animals to prevent further spread within the herd.
