How Climate Change is Driving Innovation in Agriculture Technology in South Africa
Climate change has and will continue to have a major effect on the environment and natural resources all over the world. In South Africa, where over 65% of the population works in the agricultural and farming industry, these changes mean unprecedented levels of innovation as farmers and smallholders seek to adapt and keep up with the changing climate.
In recent years, agricultural technology in South Africa has made astronomical advances which are now more important than ever. Climate change is drastically driving innovation and a need for solutions to keep up with the new environmental conditions. From soil health to water conservation, South African farmers are innovating solutions to reduce the effects of climate change on their way of life – and technology makes this possible.
Technology can help reduce the effects of climate change in five main areas; irrigation, soil management, pest control, crop health and food storage. Farmers are using drones, apps and AI to monitor their crops, efficiently manage water use and identify newly emerging pests.
Irrigation
Irrigation improvements are the most visible of changes to farms. With water concerns in South Africa now at an all-time high, farmers are looking for ways to save water, but still make sure their crops are getting enough. Drones are used for a variety of tasks, and for some farmers in South Africa, they are providing a cost-effective way to monitor irrigation. Drones act as both a monitoring device, as well as a method to disperse the perfect amount of water. With the remote feedback and real-time monitoring capabilities on offer, South African farmers are catching glimpses of previously hidden information to optimise irrigation schedules and focus on water-saving techniques. Apps and software are also being used to plan irrigation and provide recommendations on when and where to water crops. Zulu Labs is a South African-based company that has developed software that uses weather information to run predictive crop water use models and provide farmers with tailored precision irrigation recommendations. This gives farmers a unique insight into available irrigation solutions based on real-time and accurate data.Soil Management
One of the most important elements of agricultural technology is soil management. Poor soil management can cause soil erosion and heavy nutrient loss, and is becoming increasingly important as climate change increases temperatures and reduces water availability. Technology is helping soil management through data collection and monitoring systems, which can provide farmers with information on soil fertility, pesticides and water levels. Smart agriculture technology from Uzer, a South African based agricultural technology company, provides these types of solutions in real-time, so farmers can make more informed and efficient decisions about their soil management.Pest Control
With rising temperatures, climates are becoming more hospitable to a variety of pests. Farmers need to employ pest control to ensure their crops don’t become over-run. In South Africa, farming technology is helping with pest control through the use of biotechnology. Scientists are using gene-splicing to create crops that are more resistant to pests, as well as genetic engineering. This form of biotechnology, also known as “agroinfiltration”, is used to genetically modify the plants to be more resistant to pests, as well as changes in climate. At the same time, drones and apps are being used to monitor and inspect fields for pests, providing farmers with real-time data about pest numbers and areas of infestation.Crop Health
The health of crops is essential for a successful harvest. Technology has been implemented to identify crop health issues early so they can be addressed. Technologies such as remote sensing and the Internet of Things (IoT) have arisen to provide farmers with greater insight into crop performance and soil health. Remote sensing uses satellites and cameras to detect changes in crop health, while the Internet of Things (IoT) uses sensors and apps to provide a wide range of data on crop health, nutrient levels, moisture and soil health. With an abundance of data now available, South African farmers are now better equipped to monitor and ensure the long-term health of their crops.Food Storage
Food storage is hugely important for agriculture in South Africa. With climate change, the size, shape and quality of the yield can be affected, making it difficult for farmers to store their produce. New innovation in food storage comes from companies such as WeFarm, which uses a quick-freezing technique to preserve the nutrient levels and taste of the produce. This method is beneficial for South African farmers, as it allows them to store their produce for longer periods of time, ensuring that it is still of a high quality when it reaches the consumer. The food-storage technology also helps farmers to manage their produce in the face of unpredictable yields, as well as reducing food waste.Qiktruck: Helping South African Farmers Adapt to Climate Change
Qiktruck is the perfect partner for the South African agricultural industry in the face of climate change. Our on-demand truck and driver hire service makes it easy and efficient to transport goods throughout South Africa. With our fleet of vehicles, Qiktruck is available to help farmers with their goods transportation needs; whether its delivering irrigation systems, providing transport for farming equipment or bringing produce to market, Qiktruck can provide a hassle-free and cost-effective transport solution. At Qiktruck we are passionate about supporting the South African farming community, and are ready to assist our customers adapt to the changing climate. Contact us today to learn how QikTruck can deliver the perfect transport solution for your business.