When sudden temperature drops and heavy rainfall hit South African farms, like the extreme weather witnessed this February, vegetable farmers often find themselves scrambling to protect months of hard work.

By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming

African Farming spoke to Dr Zoleka Ncoyini, a lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. She said success in these critical moments comes down to preparation, quick action and long-term resilience planning.

Dr Ncoyini, who previously served as an assistant extension officer with the Department of Agriculture, brings a unique perspective to agricultural challenges. Her transition from field extension work to academic research was driven by “her love of research and in-depth understanding of challenges faced by small-scale farmers in KZN”.

The Critical First Response

When extreme weather strikes, farmers have precious little time to act. Dr Ncoyini emphasises that the first 24 to 48 hours are crucial for crop survival.

“Sudden temperature drops followed by heavy rain can cause plant stress, waterlogging and erosion,” she explains. “Within the first 24 to 48 hours, farmers should focus on three critical actions.”

Also read: Streaky rains could lead to drought damage to crops

Her first priority is immediate crop protection. “Protect vulnerable crops by covering them with straw, shade nets, plastic sheets or old sacks,” Dr Ncoyini advises. “These measures reduce cold stress and shield plants from heavy rain or hail.”

The second critical action involves water management. “Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, which damages roots and increases the risk of disease. Creating shallow channels or maintaining field ditches helps excess water flow away.”

Finally, she stresses vigilant monitoring. “Monitor crops closely in the days following the event. Sudden weather changes weaken plants, making them more susceptible to wilting and disease. Early detection allows farmers to respond quickly and minimise losses.”

Storm Clouds 1_Alani Janeke — Photo: Alani Janeke

Reading Nature’s Warning Signs

Dr Ncoyini recommends that farmers track the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), which “indicates El Niño or La Niña conditions and helps predict wetter or drier seasons. This knowledge guides crop selection and planting strategies.”

For practical daily planning, she emphasises official weather services. “Regularly consult South African Weather Service (SAWS) forecasts and seasonal outlooks.” She also acknowledges mobile weather apps but cautions that “some work better than others, depending on your location, and it is a good idea to compare their predictions with actual conditions”.

Dr Ncoyini highlights the WeatherBug app, which “provides forecasts as well as lightning warnings for your location. This can give you advance warnings of lightning so that you can get out of the fields and under a shelter before the storm arrives.”

Importantly, she emphasises combining technology with traditional knowledge. “Combine scientific forecasts with local knowledge of weather patterns, as climate variability often differs across short distances in South Africa.”

Also read: Cultivar diversity protects crops against severe weather

Climate-resilient Crop Selection and Protection

When it comes to crop selection, Dr Ncoyini points to indigenous varieties that have evolved to handle local conditions. “Research in South Africa has focused mainly on drought-tolerant grains, but there is growing interest in indigenous and underutilised crops that are naturally resilient,” she explains.

Her recommendations include “amaranth, cowpea, Bambara groundnut, finger millet, pearl millet and taro”, as well as “African leafy vegetables such as morogo (wild spinach) and cleome (spider plant), which are nutrient-rich and adapted to local climates”.

However, she cautions, “It is important to recognise that each crop has specific temperature thresholds. If local conditions consistently fall outside these ranges, farmers should consider switching to alternative crops better suited to their area.”

Understanding financial constraints, Dr Ncoyini emphasises cost-effective protection. “For small-scale farmers with limited resources, crop covering remains the most practical solution. Straw, shade nets, plastic sheets or old sacks can shield crops from cold, rain or hail.”

She also advocates for mulching as “another affordable method that regulates soil temperature, conserves moisture and protects roots”.

Smart Water Management and Recovery

Water management becomes complex when temperature stress is followed by sudden rainfall. “Farmers should always monitor soil moisture at rooting depth before irrigating,” Dr Ncoyini emphasises. “Over-irrigation can worsen waterlogging when rain arrives, while under-irrigation leaves crops vulnerable to heat stress.”

She highlights a reality many farmers overlook. “Heavy rainfall often leads to runoff rather than infiltration, meaning soils may still be dry after storms.”

When storms pass, her recovery strategy is decisive. “After extreme weather, farmers should assess which crops are recoverable and which are lost. For example, severely damaged cabbage may need replanting.” She advises to “remove damaged plants to reduce disease risk, improve drainage and soil conditions, and support surviving crops with appropriate management practices”.

For long-term success, she advocates diversification. “Long-term resilience requires diversifying crops – balancing high-value but vulnerable varieties with hardy, less lucrative ones.”

General Farming Rows Of Planted Cabbages_Maile Matsimela — Photo for illustrative purposes. Photo: Maile Matsimela

Also read: Lessons from the field: Crop challenges in the arid Northern Cape region

Adapting Planting Schedules and Building Resilience

Given increasing weather extremes, Dr Ncoyini believes farmers must rethink their approaches. “South Africa’s diverse climates mean planting schedules must be tailored to local conditions,” she emphasises. “Use SAWS seasonal forecasts to guide decisions, and monitor rainfall and temperature throughout the season.”

She provides seasonal guidance. “For wetter seasons focus on disease-tolerant crops, prepare land with mulching and ensure good drainage. For drier seasons plant drought-resistant crops, use mulch to reduce evaporation and consider lower planting densities.”

Looking towards the future, Dr Ncoyini identifies three essential climate-smart practices every South African vegetable farmer should adopt:

First: “Integrate climate information into farming decisions. Learn which forecasts are most reliable for your area and use them to plan planting dates and crop management.”

Second: “Understand soil-climate interactions. Climate change is already affecting soil fertility and moisture. Farmers must adapt strategies to protect soil health and optimise yields.”

Third: “Diversify and innovate. While challenging, experimenting with rainwater harvesting, vertical farming and agroforestry can reduce risk and improve resilience. Even small-scale trials can provide valuable experience and long-term benefits.”

Practical Insights for South African Farmers

Despite the challenges facing South African farmers, Dr Ncoyini remains optimistic about the sector’s ability to adapt and thrive. Her research background, combined with her understanding of small-scale farming challenges in KwaZulu-Natal, provides unique insights into practical solutions.

“The key,” she concludes, “is understanding that adaptation is not just about surviving the next storm but about building farming systems that can thrive in an uncertain climate while maintaining productivity and profitability.”

For farmers feeling overwhelmed by climate challenges, Dr Ncoyini’s message is clear: Start with the basics of protection and monitoring, gradually build resilience through diversification and improved practices, and never stop learning from both scientific advances and traditional knowledge.

As South African agriculture faces an uncertain future, voices like Dr Ncoyini’s provide both practical guidance and hope that farmers can successfully navigate these changing times.