Drought-hit farmers need miracle
2009-02-06 09:51
Port Elizabeth - Farmers in the drought-stricken Eastern Cape - which is experiencing its worst drought in at least 50 years - say a miracle is necessary to bring much-needed rain to the region.
That's why many will be watching to see whether Angus Buchan's faith that his prayer service in Uitenhage on Friday will bring a miracle - rain.
"The situation is now so critical, a miracle is necessary," said Leonie Yendall, a cattle farmer in the Grahamstown district.
"Those of us who usually don't pray, are now praying."
John Kirkman from Steytlerville believes the rain will be a miracle.
"The drought has been carrying on for almost three years now."
In the Aberdeen district, comparative rainfall figures on one farm give a good overview of the extent of the drought: In October 2006 42 mm rain was measured; in October 2008 it was 6.5 mm. In December 2006 it was 65 mm and in December 2008 1.5 mm.
In the Tsitsikamma, rainfall for the season has been 60% below average and there is virtually no water to irrigate pastures.
Miracles are definitely needed, said Hantie Marx from the Aberdeen district.
"But if the rain comes, it won't be Angus. Only the Lord can bring miracles."
He nevertheless finds it encouraging that there will be a gathering.
Thousands of square kilometres affected
From Port Elizabeth, across the Karoo up to the Gariep River, to Queenstown in the east, down to the coast and westwards past Willowmore and Rietbron and along the Tsitsikamma, farmers are trying to survive the drought.
"We're talking about thousands of square kilometres that are affected. It's not one person alone that can ask the big Master for rain, everyone must pray together," said Colyn Scheltema, former agriculturist with 35 years' experience in the western region of the Eastern Cape.
This is generally regarded as the worst drought in 50 years.
Boreholes and fountains are drying up and drinking water for animals has to be carted in.
Grazing systems are no longer being followed and gates are thrown open for livestock to find grazing where they can.
Farmers have to buy in feed for livestock and good lucern now sells at R1 700 a ton, Scheltema said.
Special feed costs a farmer R18 per kilogram of weight a sheep has to gain. "And we only get R14 per kilogram when we sell that sheep," Marx said.
Emerging farmers battling
Nearly 150 emerging farmers in the Camdeboo district have been on their knees for quite some time, praying for help to come their way.
"Almost everyone is standing back, instead of reaching out. We're not looking for handouts, but please hold open the door for us," is the urgent appeal of Marlon de Jager, a farmer from the Camdeboo district and last year's emerging farmer of the year.
"This is not about surviving until tomorrow; it's about the future of agriculture and of the emerging farmer who has to help feed the South African nation.
"This cruel drought will probably be the best barometer to determine to what extent the emerging farmer is taken seriously and supported," De Jager said.