Bid to save every drop

Scarcity and climate change pose challenges – expert.

- Masoka Dube

As South Africa continues to face water shortages and other related challenges, rainwater harvesting expert Dr Wilma van Staden has urged small-scale farmers and communities to conserve rainwater to avert food shortages.

Currently, South Africa is facing a serious water crisis attributed to various issues, including deteriorating dam levels and ageing infrastructure.

In March this year, parliament's portfolio committee on water and sanitation called on the government to address the scarcity of water by enhancing the maintenance of water systems infrastructure to ensure water continues to be provided to citizens.

Van Staden, a senior member of Amanzi for Food programme, said yesterday: "Rainwater harvesting is becoming critical due to the growing challenges of water scarcity and climate change and erratic weather patterns.