The deepening drought conditions across the province necessitate swift action from government. The declared drought condition in Sarah Baartman and Amatole District have persisted from 2017/18 and despite brief rain in Sarah Baartman areas this condition has got worse in these Districts over the past months. This drought condition is now across all Districts.

In addressing the 2017/18 drought in Sarah Baartman and Amatole the application for relief assistance has realised an allocation of R 20 million for the provision of fodder for the affected areas.

In addition an allocation for drought mitigation measures for the Province as a whole R42 million was made available.

On account of the current crisis, processes are underway to enable that portions of the R42 million will be re-directed to enhance the means to supply water for livestock

The funds will also be used to install weather stations in various areas for effective planning as climate change is still to be with us for some time

Whilst feed is being provided the department is also investing on infrastructure like windmills and boreholes.

This includes procurement of water storage tanks and trough unit and de-silting of stock water dams to enable better provision of water for livestock into the autumn/winter period.

During the progression of drought crop farmers have been advised not to continue with planting.

The Department has an ongoing programme to develop the capacity for the production of hay for livestock feed and fodder reserves in mitigation of drought and hay making machinery has been availed in some rural areas

The department has committed bulk of the drought funds based on the needs of the farmers to ensure less utilization of the middleman..