Farmers in Malala Drift, Limpopo province, South Africa, are experiencing threats to their livelihoods stemming from drought and unreliable water access. Some farmers have ceased crop production due to difficulties in securing adequate water, while others continue to farm under challenging circumstances. The region’s rainfall has become increasingly unpredictable over the last decade. Farmers report that when the nearby Limpopo River’s water level drops, they sometimes incur costs to excavate the riverbed to access water. This adds to the operational expenses of maintaining their farms. One farm, previously growing potatoes, butternut squash, and tomatoes for sale in Musina, ceased operations in 2025 because of inconsistent water supply. Farmers have reported a history of unpredictable harvests, with good seasons followed by poor ones.
Source: Mongabay