Climate change wreaking havoc on traditional farming systems

By Maile Matsimela

In the surroundings of the Tzaneen Country Lodge, an attentive audience gathered on 26 June at the Tzaneen Agri-Expo 2025 to hear Dr Emogine Mamabolo of the University of Limpopo’s Centre for Global Change deliver a compelling address on innovative agroecology and its transformative potential for rural communities

“Agroecology is a way of farming that works with nature, not against it,” Dr Mamabolo explained. “It combines science, traditional knowledge, and ecology to grow food in ways that benefit people, animals and the environment.”

This approach to farming represents a significant shift from conventional agriculture, which often relies heavily on synthetic inputs and mechanical interventions. Instead, agroecology draws upon ecological principles and indigenous wisdom to create farming systems that are both productive and sustainable.

Dr Mamabolo’s presentation shed light on the mounting challenges facing rural farming communities across South Africa. Degraded soils, unpredictable weather patterns and high costs of chemical inputs are creating significant hurdles for smallholder farmers.

“Climate change is wreaking havoc on our traditional farming systems,” Dr Mamabolo warned. “More frequent droughts and floods mean our farmers face increasingly uncertain harvests. But agroecology builds resilience through diversified cropping systems and better water management.”

According to Dr Mamabolo, overdependence on chemical inputs has trapped many farmers in cycles of debt while simultaneously degrading soil health. “These challenges disproportionately affect women and youth, who often have limited access to resources despite their crucial role in food production,” she noted.

The speech highlighted several promising initiatives that demonstrate agroecology’s practical benefits across South Africa.

In parts of Limpopo, and the Eastern Cape and Northern Cape provinces, a socially inclusive landscape management programme is helping communities combat land degradation. Working in collaboration with Fort Hare University, the initiative uses GIS and remote sensing tools to assess degraded areas and guide restoration efforts.

“By integrating traditional knowledge with modern ecological practices, agroecology empowers rural communities, restores natural resources and builds resilience against future shocks,” Dr Mamabolo emphasised.

Cover Crop Technologies

One of the most successful interventions has been the introduction of cover crop technologies. “Farmers are trained to use cover crops that improve soil structure, prevent erosion, enhance nutrient cycling and reduce reliance on chemicals,” Dr Mamabolo explained. “This results in better soil health, improved crop yields and lower costs.”

Her presentation showcased several innovative techniques that are yielding remarkable results.

• Agroforestry – The integration of legume crops with citrus trees has proven particularly effective. “The legumes fix nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility naturally,” Dr Mamabolo explained. “This approach also promotes biodiversity and offers farmers diversified income sources.”
• Permaculture systems – Dr Mamabolo highlighted vermiculture – using earthworms to convert organic waste into nutrient-rich fertilisers – as a cost-effective method to enhance soil fertility without chemicals.

“Agroecology reduces farmers’ dependency on costly chemicals and promotes climate adaptation through diversified cropping systems and better water management,” she told the audience.

Her recommendations focused on practical steps to scale up agroecological practices across rural communities.

“We need to strengthen community training programmes to equip farmers with practical, sustainable techniques adapted to local conditions,” she advised. “Improving access to high-quality seeds, organic fertilisers, and cost-effective tools is equally important.”

Dr Mamabolo placed special emphasis on social inclusion: “Empowering women, youth, and marginalised groups through agroecological practices can drive not just sustainable farming but also social transformation.”

Data-driven approaches are also central to her vision. The use of GIS and comprehensive land-use assessments can guide policies and target degraded areas for intervention, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently.

As the presentation concluded, Dr Mamabolo offered a hopeful vision for the future of rural farming communities. “Innovative agroecology offers a powerful pathway to enhance food production, improve livelihoods, and ensure long-term food security for rural farming communities,” she said.