Farmers in OR Tambo to Benefit from New Climate-Smart Farming Technology

Farmers in the OR Tambo District Municipality are set to benefit from a new climate-smart agricultural technology aimed at improving resilience and productivity in the face of climate change.

The groundbreaking system forms part of the South African System of Systems for Agricultural Modernisation (SoSAM), a partnership initiative involving the Eastern Cape Department of Agriculture, the Department of Science and Technology, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the Agricultural Research Council, the Technology Innovation Agency and TerraClim.

The pilot project is being officially launched in Mthatha today.

Helping Farmers Respond to Climate Risks

According to the department, the programme has been developed to assist farmers in responding more effectively to climate change, adverse weather patterns and production risks.

The system integrates scientific data, weather forecasting tools and agricultural research to provide farmers with improved decision-making support. This includes guidance on planting times, crop management and risk mitigation strategies during droughts, floods or extreme weather events.

Climate variability has increasingly placed pressure on farmers across the Eastern Cape, with unpredictable rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells affecting crop yields and livestock production. The introduction of modern, data-driven tools is expected to strengthen food security and improve long-term sustainability in the sector.

Strengthening Agricultural Modernisation

The partnership behind SoSAM brings together government, research institutions and innovation agencies in a coordinated effort to modernise agriculture in South Africa.

The CSIR and Agricultural Research Council are expected to play a key role in providing scientific expertise, while the Technology Innovation Agency supports innovation and commercialisation aspects of the programme. TerraClim contributes climate data analytics to enhance forecasting accuracy.

Officials say the pilot in OR Tambo District will serve as a testing ground before potential expansion to other districts in the province and beyond.

Boosting Rural Development

Agriculture remains a key economic driver in rural parts of the Eastern Cape, supporting both subsistence and commercial farmers. By equipping farmers with advanced tools to manage production risks, the initiative aims to improve profitability, job creation and rural livelihoods.

Further details on implementation timelines and farmer participation are expected to be shared following the official launch in Mthatha.

The department has encouraged local farmers to engage with extension officers to learn more about how they can access and benefit from the new system.