Abstract

Limpopo Province is characterised by high climatic variability. This is a serious problem in Limpopo Province considering the fact that the province is in a semi-arid area with low, unreliable rainfall. The rainfall distribution pattern, for example, in the Vhembe district is characterised by wet and dry periods depending on the geographical location. In the Vhembe district high rainfall is usually experienced in the Tshakhuma and Levubu areas. Most of the rainfall received in the Vhembe district is in the form of thunderstorms and showers, and this makes rainfall in the district vary considerably. The impact of lower rainfall has negative effects on the agricultural sector, low rainfall resulting in decreases in agricultural activities, loss of livestock, shortage of drinking water, low yields and shortage of seeds for subsequent cultivation. For example, farmers in Rabali area are supposed to use hybrid seeds due to lack of sufficient irrigation water and also poor rainfall distribution compared to farmers in areas such as Tshakhuma and Tshiombo areas.

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