Energy is used at different stages of agricultural production and processing. The most significant sources of energy for agricultural activities are diesel and electricity. Diesel and electricity are sourced from the national grid which has a strong reliance on coal. Diesel accounts for more than half of the energy consumed in agriculture. It is used to fuel vehicles during the preparation of land as well as for the harvesting and transport of produce.
Electricity is used for irrigation, processing, and cooling. Both diesel and electricity are obtained from fossil fuels, which are major emitters of greenhouse gas emissions. The high reliance on these energy sources is consequently worsening the problem of climate change.
RISING COST OF ENERGY, CLIMATE CHANGE
In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the cost of energy (electricity and diesel/petrol) and insecurity of supply as Eskom struggles to keep up with the
