The Impact of Climate Change on Smallholder Tomato Production in Mopani District in Limpopo Province

Extreme climate events including droughts and heavy rains have become more frequent in recent years, and climate change is expected to have a greater impact on these consequences (Ncube, 2020).

South Africa’s smallholder tomato industry is directly threatened by this. Many rural smallholder farmers reside in the Limpopo Province’s Mopani area. The intensity of climate change creates additional stress on tomato production in Mopani. Therefore, this justifies the need to study the impact of climate change on tomato production in Mopani District in Limpopo Province.

Introduction of the Tomato Production

One of the most advanced and internationally interconnected horticultural industries is the tomato (Solanum Lycopersicon) business.  Globally, fresh and processed tomato production has grown increased by over 300% annually during the last 40 years (Costa and Heuvelink 2007).  170.8 million tons of tomatoes were produced worldwide in 2017.

Introduction of Climate Change in Our Lives

Climate change refers to the long-term warming of the planet, which is primarily caused by the increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere (IPCC, 2013). The main cause of climate change is human activity, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and land use changes, which release large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere (Hansen et al., 2016).

Smallholder farmers in Mopani district are particularly vulnerable to climate change due to their limited resources, lack of access to credit and markets, and dependence on rain-fed agriculture (Mango et al., 2017). Though warmer temperatures can lead to faster crop growth, but also excessive temperatures intensify increase the risk of heat stress, water scarcity, and pest and disease pressure (Battisti and Naylor, 2009).

Mopani District, Limpopo: A Home of Tomato Production

Limpopo province, one of South Africa’s northernmost provinces, Limpopo, shares borders with Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.  Limpopo is home to 5.8 million people and has a surface area of 125,754 square kilometers, or around 10.3% of South Africa’s total land area.

The capital of Limpopo is Polokwane, formerly Pietersburg (State SA, 2020).  Capricorn District (21,705 km²), Waterberg District (44,911 km²), Mopani District (20,011 km²), Vhembe District (21,403 km²), and Sekhukhune District (13,528 km²) are the province’s five districts (State SA, 2019). A map below indicates the province (Sourced from Municipality).

According to the Department of Agriculture, about 75% of South Africa’s total land area is planted with tomatoes.  Although tomatoes are grown in every province in South Africa, the temperature in Limpopo is the most conducive. Province’s temperate temperature makes it the best place to grow them.  The province of Limpopo, which is the primary producing area, is made up of 3,590ha of the Northern Lowveld (2,700ha) and the far northern portions (890ha). According to the Tomato Producers Association, (2020) Limpopo is a major producer of tomatoes, with both commercial and small-scale farmers growing this popular crop According to the Department of Agriculture, about 75% of South Africa’s total land area is planted with tomatoes.

Overall, Limpopo’s agricultural sector plays a vital role in the province’s economy, providing employment and income opportunities for many rural communities. A significant source of income for many farmers in the province, and more so in the Mopani District, is tomato production (Koza, 2022). The province is known for its agriculture, which sustains most of the rural population.

A significant source of income for many farmers in the province, and more so in the Mopani district, is tomato production (Koza, 2022). The province is known for its agriculture, which sustains the majority of the rural population.

 However, the region’s unpredictable and inconsistent climate threatens both present and future agricultural endeavours. Smallholder farmers are especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to dependence on rain-fed agriculture and a limited lack of access to resources such as credit markets and technology to protect them from the impacts (Mango et al., 2017; Shikwambana et al., 2021).

Limpopo Province is a significant agricultural producer, with a diverse range of crops and livestock being farmed in the region. According to the Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (2019), the province is a leading producer of tomatoes, avocados, mangoes, and citrus fruits, with these crops being exported to both local and international markets. The province's agricultural sector is also characterized by a strong livestock industry, with cattle, goats, and poultry being farmed extensively (DAFF, 2020)

Additionally, the province has seen a significant increase in the production of subtropical fruits such as litchis, guavas, and papayas, with these crops being well-suited to the province’s subtropical climate (Mango Growers Association, 2020). Limpopo is the largest mango-producing province in South Africa, accounting for over 50% of the country’s total mango production (Mango Growers Association, 2020).

 Limpopo is also a major producer of tomatoes, with both commercial and small-scale farmers growing this popular crop (Tomato Producers Association, 2020). Overall, Limpopo’s agricultural sector plays a vital role in the province’s economy, providing employment and income opportunities for many rural communities.

Historical Trends of Climate Change

During the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution marked the beginning of significant human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. In 1800s the Industrial Revolution begins, leading to increased burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, which releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere (IPCC, 2013).

 Scientists begin to measure CO2 levels and notice an increase, leading to concerns about global warming (Keeling, C. D, 1960). International attention focuses on climate change, leading to the establishment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 1988).

 Global temperatures rise, and extreme weather events like hurricanes and droughts become more frequent (Hansen, 1988). Climate change becomes a mainstream political issue, with the signing of the Kyoto Protocol in 2005(Protocol, 2005).  The world experiences record-breaking temperatures, and climate change is declared a global emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020).

The Effects of Climate Change on Smallholder Tomato Production

 The biggest market failure the world has ever witnessed is due to climate change.  The poor are most affected by the environmental and social repercussions of climate change, which might reverse advancements in food security, human health, development, and poverty alleviation (Nicholas, 2017).

One of the numerous nations that will be negatively impacted by climate change is South Africa, particularly in its rural parts.  One of the main industries that will be impacted by the climate is agriculture, which is also one of the most climate dependent sectors.  The most impacted will be rural smallholders, who own 60% of South Africa’s agriculture, frequently reside in high-risk locations, and rely on natural resources for their livelihood (Johnston, 2019).

The production of tomatoes has increased recently and is regarded as one of the best ways for smallholders to make money.  This is because, compared to maize, the main staple crop, the product has higher profit margins and is less susceptible to harsh weather conditions.

However, extreme climate events including droughts and heavy rains have become more frequent in recent years, and climate change is expected to have a greater impact on these consequences (NCUBE, 2020).  South Africa’s smallholder tomato industry is directly threatened by this.  Many rural smallholder farmers reside in the Limpopo Province’s Mopani area.

Recurrent climate change is a challenge to smallholder tomato production due to unavailability of resources and knowledge. Smallholder production in South Africa is faced with constraints that have undermined their potential to produce adequate out.

The intensity of climate change creates additional stress on tomato production in Mopani. Therefore, this justifies the need to study the impact of climate change on tomato production in Mopani district in Limpopo Province.

The substantial effects of climate change on the livelihoods of smallholder tomato farmers in Mopani District are highlighted by the analysis.  With a mean age of 48.5 years and a range of ages from 25 to 75, the district’s farmers appear to be a rather experienced group.

 With an average of 7.5 years and a range of 2 to 15 years, the majority of many farmers have at least a primary education, which may have a moderate impact on their capacity to implement climate-resilient practices. With an average of 10.2 years and a range of 3 to 35 years, farmers may find it difficult to adjust to climate fluctuation, while others, especially those with less more experience, may have coping strategies in place.

Financial Bearer Caused by Climate Change

One of the most startling conclusions is the financial cost of climate change to smallholder farmers.  The significant economic harm brought on by droughts, floods, and extreme weather is demonstrated by the average climate-related losses, which total R 3,250.

 These losses have substantial long-term impacts on food security and investment in future farming operations in addition to their direct income losses.  Because of the wide range of climate impacts depending on location, resources, and farming practices, some farmers suffer losses of up to R 20,000.

Unity for the Planet: Community-Driven Solutions to the Climate Crisis

• Monitoring and Evaluation: To evaluate the efficacy of resilience-building interventions, policymakers should establish a strong framework for monitoring and evaluation. They should also regularly gather data on the effects of climate change on smallholder farmers and modify policies and programs in response to new needs and evidence. By putting these recommendations into practice, policymakers can greatly increase the resilience of smallholder tomato farmers in the Mopani District, allowing them to better handle the challenges presented by climate change and guaranteeing the sustainability of their livelihoods and agricultural productivity.
• Strengthening Cooperatives and Community Support: Promoting the establishment and development of farmer cooperatives and knowledge sharing platform can improve collective resilience by giving farmers better access to resources, shared equipment, and collective marketing opportunities. Additionally, establishing platforms for knowledge sharing and support networks among farmers can promote community resilience.
• Training and Capacity Building: Policymakers should establish training programs that emphasize climate-smart agricultural practices, educating farmers on soil management, crop diversification, and efficient resource utilization to enhance resilience to climate change. Involving extension services to provide on-going support and knowledge dissemination will also be helpful.
• Government Assistance Programs: Policymakers should review and enhance existing government assistance programs to ensure they are responsive to the needs of smallholder farmers facing climate change impacts. This includes streamlining application processes for subsidies and support initiatives, ensuring that assistance reaches those most in need.
• Research and Development: Investing in agricultural research focused on developing climate-resilient tomato varieties and sustainable farming practices is crucial. Policymakers should collaborate with research institutions to ensure that farmers have access to innovative solutions tailored to local conditions.

Conclusion

To conclude, as human beings, we cannot run away from the existence of unforeseen circumstances which in this case is relating to climate change.  Even though we contribute massively on the windshield of climate change, we shouldn’t blame ourselves of the situation we have no control over. It takes us as people should take it upon ourselves to protect our land, livelihood s, and our lives from the impacts damages of climate change.  

Fellow South Africans, let us be cautious always. Always be up to date with the South African Weather Service. Yesterday (On the 13th of March 2025), south, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) warned of orange level 6 disruptive heavy rain in KwaZulu-Natal .Natal. This information is enough for us as individuals to prepare for the heavy rain that comes with possibility of pausing devastation to the production of tomatoes. Damaging infrastructure or killing lives. Be safe! And stay still.

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Written By: Charmaine Ndlela

Edited By: Takudzwa Taruza