South Africa Resources Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is the expected impact of a 10% reduction in rainfall on maize yields in South Africa?
Approximately a 4% reduction in maize yields.
How does increased rainfall affect maize yields in South Africa?
Increased rainfall is likely to cause a rise in maize yields.
What is the effect of increased temperatures on potato production in South Africa?
Increased temperatures lead to a decrease in potato production.
Name one adaptation measure South African farmers have adopted in response to climate change.
Diversification of crops.
What does crop substitution involve as an adaptation strategy?
Replacing vulnerable crops with more climate-resilient varieties.
How have South African farmers changed planting times as an adaptation?
They have adjusted sowing and harvesting dates to match new rainfall patterns.
What role do shade crops play in South Africa’s adaptation measures?
They reduce heat stress on main crops and conserve soil moisture.
What irrigation method have South African farmers shifted to from flood irrigation?
Sprinkler irrigation.
Which adaptation measure addresses soil degradation on farms?
Soil conservation practices such as contour ploughing and mulching.
What is the most favoured adaptation for South African agriculture?
Irrigation, because water is the main limiting factor.
What percentage of South African farms are currently under irrigation?
About 10%.
What proportion of the country’s water resources does agriculture consume?
Approximately 60%.
In South Africa’s dry western areas, how is crop productivity expected to change under climate change?
Crop production will become more marginal.
In South Africa’s high-potential eastern areas, what is the projected impact of climate change on crop production?
There may be a slight increase in production.
What programme warned that nearly all South African croplands could face yield declines?
The AVOID programme.
By what percentage are sugar cane yields projected to increase under climate change?
About 55%.
By what percentage is the harvested area of sugar cane expected to increase?
About 16%.
What is the projected increase in total sugar cane production?
About 80%.
What is the yield variation between favourable and unfavourable climate models for sugar cane?
Only about a 5% difference.
By what percentage are barley yields predicted to decrease in warmer regions?
Barley yields could decrease by 20–50%.
Accounting for CO₂ fertilization, what is the net predicted reduction in barley yields?
Approximately 10–40%.
What quality aspect of barley is negatively affected by warming?
Malting quality is reduced.
How might hops production respond to climate change in South Africa?
Likely similar to barley, with increased irrigation costs due to rainfall variability.
Which cereal crop is likely to benefit from rising temperatures and CO₂ levels?
Sorghum.
