By Simthandile Ponti
Access to water is one of the biggest challenges for smallholder farmers, especially in dry areas like the Western Cape. Many of these farmers face ongoing difficulties due to drought, climate change, soil degradation, unpredictable markets, and limited support. The serious issue regarding access to water was highlighted during a needs analysis conducted by our Smallholder Farmer Extension Officer, Simthandile Ponti.
In response, we started a small pilot project to support some of these farmers by providing them with water storage tanks. The water tanks initiative aims to improve smallholder farmers ability to irrigate their crops consistently, particularly during prolonged dry spells and periods of water scarcity, and this will enable them to grow their vegetables all year round.
The increase in vegetable production, will not only boosts household incomes but also contributes to improved food security in the community. The project demonstrates how targeted support, and simple infrastructure can make a substantial impact on agricultural productivity and resilience.
Four months after the water tanks were installed, we visited one of the smallholder farmers, Clinton Fielies, to see how the project had impacted his day-to-day work. He showed us his vegetable garden, filled with chillies, spinach, turmeric, potatoes, and even some beetroot and onions. He demonstrated how the water tank has been allowing him to water his crops consistently and grow a greater variety of vegetables.
This project benefited a total of 14 smallholder farmers, including those from the areas of Garcia, Slangrivier, Heidelberg, Albertinia, and Melkhoutfontein. Additionally, the project will support two smallholder farmers’ associations, namely Sizanane and Sambou Kleinboere, further strengthening the collective capacity of these communities.
The water tanks also help reduce the pressure on nearby rivers. With stored water available, farmers are less reliant on direct river abstraction. A small change that supports both people and the environment.