Climate change challenges for SA agriculture

Contingency plans in the form of "chill units" for sensitive deciduous produce such as grapes (for wine) in the Western Cape were already being used, Schulze said, according to The Daily News.

These contingency plans, however, could mean added costs and a decline in quality of crops, which could have a knock-on effect on international trade and the local economy. Fruit producers in South America (which is further south, and cooler) could replace South Africa, in terms of fruit exports, said Schulze.

Derek Morgan, head of energy at the eThekwini municipality, agreed with Schulze, but said that, because of higher rainfall and temperatures, crops like maize, for example, would flourish even in areas previously poor in terms of crop yields, according to The Daily News.

For more:

• The Daily News: Agriculture faces big changes.