Table 2 Summary of agronomic and hydrological conditions
From: Considerations for the design of nutrition-sensitive production programmes in rural South Africa
Province | KwaZulu-Natal | Eastern Cape | Limpopo | North West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
District | uMkhanyakude | OR Tambo | Mopani District | Ngaka Modiri Molema |
Local municipality | Jozini | Ingquza Hill | Maruleng Local Municipality | Ratlou |
Agronomy | Tropical Ideal weather conditions for agricultural production. In some areas crops can grow year-round – two to three crop cycles a year are possible [54] | Coastal (mixed biome) Ingquza Hill is home to dune forests, swamp forests and coastal forests. Forests are used by local communities and receive little protection due to a lack of formal control. Subsistence agriculture is predominant [59] | Lowveld High agricultural potential with production of tropical and citrus fruit [60]. | Grassland/semi-arid This is a semi-arid area with water scarcity. |
Hydrology | Jozini Dam is a major source of drinking water for people, animals, and irrigation [54]. | The area has one large river, the Umzimvubu River, two medium-sized rivers and a number of smaller coastal rivers with limited catchment areas that stretch 60 km inland. The area receives above 800 mm of rainfall a year [55]. | Located on the banks of the Blyde River [60] A large population of communal farmers is settled in an area between Hoedspruit and Tzaneen. Seven medium-sized irrigation schemes have been developed in the area, but only two remain functional. | The community is highly dependent on scarce ground water. With the existence of two river systems, one to the north and one in the centre of the area, water tables are relatively low. Borehole water is available, especially in close proximity to the river systems. Agricultural activities should also be located close to water sources [56]. There used to be a dam at Mabule, but, due to floods, it has burst its wall, resulting in the lack of a secure water supply for the villagers. |
569 mm | 874 mm (Lusikisiki) | 566 mm (Hoedspruit) | 425 mm (Mabule) | |
August 2012 – July 2013 (October 2013) | August 2012 – July 2013 (July 2013) | August 2013 – July 2014 (November 2014) | August 2013 – July 2014 (November 2014) | |
1132 mm | 1246 mm | 925 mm | 593 mm | |
August 2013–July 2014 (July 2014) | August 2013 – July 2014 (October/November 2014) | August 2014 – July 2015 (May 2015) | August 2014 – July 2015 (June 2015) | |
924 mm | 898 mm | 520 mm | 411 mm |