LIMPOPO – Farmers in the Vhembe region have welcomed the recent rainfall but said consistent follow-up showers are needed to ease the ongoing drought that has gripped the area for weeks.

The region has been battling a heatwave that has damaged crops, strained grazing land and led to livestock losses.

Many farmers say the extreme conditions have pushed them to the brink.

Niani farmer Shadrack Phuravhathu said he may be forced to leave farming if conditions do not improve.

“We farm on communal land without grazing camps, which makes everything difficult. Last month, I had to sell three of my cattle just to buy feed for the remaining cows and their calves.”

Phuravhathu added that he had already lost four cows and criticised the lack of government support. “We need subsidies if we are to farm on a larger scale.”

In Tshipise, crop farmer Margaret Mukwevho said she is trying to stay hopeful despite the harsh conditions.

“We’re scared, but through prayer, we hope to provide for our children and families. The way things are going, I am not hopeful, but we are farmers and we will continue to work. Whenever we can, we’ll put our shoulders to the wheel,” she said.

Emmanuel Mudau, the chairperson of the Limpopo Indigenous Veld Goat Club, said the rainfall has brought some relief but has not been enough to restore water levels in rivers.

He is encouraged by predictions of more rain, which he believes could secure a good harvest for farmers who have prepared their land.

He warned, however, that rain can also bring challenges.

“Farmers who haven’t prepared their fields in time will struggle with wet soil. Excessive moisture can lead to disease outbreaks, which must be monitored closely,” he said.