Cotton: the ideal crop for reducing carbon emissions and poverty
What impact is climate change having on South Africa’s cotton farmers?
Hennie Bruwer (HB):
Ironically, we’re currently seeing, and will continue to see, an increase in the number of cotton farmers in South Africa as a result of climate change. This is because cotton can better withstand drier, hotter conditions than other crops grown here. So while we’re experiencing an increase in heat units and a shifting planting season as a result of climate change, cotton crops are not yet adversely affected.
Water is becoming a bigger issue, as South Africa is a semi-arid country. No new dams have been built since 1994, and our river systems are under pressure. This will also lead us away from thirstier crops to more hectares under cotton, as is already the case. But since cotton still requires water, any reduction in what is necessary to grow a crop will ultimately be detrimental.
Climate change is putting pressure on South Africa’s water supply, leaving farmers to contend with droughts, especially in
