The Western Cape narrowly avoided Day Zero in 2018, but the water crisis is still very much present. The food supply is unstable and prices rise as a result of droughts and floods brought on by more erratic weather. To keep this essential staple on consumers’ plates, Sandveld potato farmers have resorted to regenerative farming methods and water-saving technologies as livelihoods and food security are at stake.

Farmers are figuring out how to protect their water supply while still producing food in the Western Cape’s hot, dry summers, where winter rainfall is concentrated.

“Water is South Africa’s scarcest, most precious resource, and we need to use every drop wisely. We’ve taken this challenge head-on by investing in precision irrigation, soil moisture monitoring, and improved farming methods, and have already seen remarkable results,” Monique Vlok, chairperson of the Sandveld Potato Growers Association, mentioned.

According to a University of Pretoria study, Sandveld farmers’ water-saving practices have reduced water consumption by an average of 20% over the last ten years.

One potato farmer, Johan Smit, has reduced his water consumption by 30%.

“We are doing everything we can to make the best use of every drop of water. We use soil moisture probes, take evapotranspiration figures into account from the weather stations around the farm, add the crop factor and get to a precise number of how much water the potatoes need without wasting anything,” Smit added.

The significance of the Sandveld’s ability to continue producing potatoes lies in the region’s unique ability to farm potatoes for 12 months of the year, keeping national supply and prices stable.

“The Sandveld contributes nearly 20% of the national potato crop. Were it not for their focus on water savings, South Africa could find itself with unaffordable potatoes in years to come,” Willie Jacobs, CEO of Potatoes SA, declared.

To illustrate the effects of even a little decrease in the availability of potatoes, Jacobs cites data from the 2024 growing season.

“Drought in the Free State and frost in Limpopo during 2024 led to a drop in the national potato crop of only 1,97% from the five-year average. The effect on prices was however staggering, with an average increase of 37% for the year, although there were times when prices were 172% higher. It is therefore critical that farmers maintain stable production, doing everything they can to counter the effects of adverse weather, especially in lieu of climate change,” Jacobs also mentioned.

To ensure that the region’s water is safeguarded and potato production can sustainably continue, Smit is careful to limit borehole water extraction.

“There are meters on every borehole, so we never extract beyond a certain level. It is important that a reserve level of water is maintained underground,” Smit mentioned.

Smit employs regenerative farming techniques, an approach gaining traction among local farmers. Traditionally, fields were left fallow since potatoes can only be grown in the same area once every three years to prevent soil-borne diseases. However, with a focus on environmental sustainability, farmers now plant cover crops like rye immediately after harvesting potatoes.

“Rye’s deep roots and the remaining soil moisture eliminate the need for additional irrigation. This cover crop not only protects the soil from erosion but also naturally suppresses weeds, reducing reliance on herbicides. When the field is ready for potatoes again, the rye is cut and incorporated into the soil, enriching its organic matter and enhancing water retention.”

Although concerns persist about agriculture’s water consumption, particularly during droughts, potatoes have proven to be an efficient crop in a country striving for food security.

“We’ve experimented with various crops to determine the most effective use of land and resources, but nothing compares to potatoes when it comes to using minimal water while maximizing food production and ensuring the region’s long-term sustainability,” Smit explained.

Sandveld farmers’ commitment to efficiency has made them one of the most productive potato-growing areas in South Africa, with yields reaching 70 tons per hectare in summer and 44 tons in winter – well above the national average of 40 tons per hectare.

“South Africa’s food security depends on smart, forward-thinking agriculture. As South Africa grapples with water challenges, Sandveld potato farmers are proving that innovation and sustainability can help overcome the challenge, ensuring a steady supply of one of the country’s most important staple foods,” Jacobs concluded.