In a surprising turn of events, the northeast region of South Africa is expected to experience above-normal summer rains until March 2024, offering a glimmer of hope for improved agricultural output. Despite earlier concerns about the potential impact of El Niño-induced weather conditions, the latest data from the South African Weather Service paints a more optimistic picture.
Initially, forecasts predicted dry conditions in early 2024. However, the updated projections now indicate above-normal rainfall from November through March in the northeast—the primary grain-growing region of the nation. In contrast, the central and south-western parts are anticipated to receive below-normal rainfall.
This shift in weather patterns comes as a relief to the agricultural sector, especially during the critical pollination stages of the summer crop when moisture is crucial for optimal yields. Wandile Sihlobo, Chief Economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa, highlights the potential for improved yields as a result of the timely and abundant rainfall.
The positive outlook for rain in the northeast could have broader economic implications. Cooling food inflation, a significant contributor to overall price growth that has exceeded the central bank’s preferred range, may alleviate pressure to maintain higher interest rates. Governor Lesetja Kganyago emphasized the bank’s commitment to preserving price stability, particularly in the face of risks associated with El Niño.
In its recent Monetary Policy Review, the central bank outlined potential scenarios where severe drought conditions induced by El Niño could add 3 to 8 percentage points to headline inflation. The welcomed change in weather prospects may influence farmers to expand their planting areas, according to Sihlobo.
Projections by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development’s Crop Estimates Committee indicate that growers plan to increase planting areas by 2%, equivalent to up to 4.47 million hectares (11 million acres) of summer grains, including corn and oilseeds, during the 2023-24 season compared to the previous year. This positive shift in weather conditions presents a promising opportunity for South Africa’s agriculture sector to thrive and contribute to the nation’s economic well-being.
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