Premier Alan Winde urges Western Cape agriculture sector to prepare adequately for impact of ENSO
Joint Media Release by Alan Winde, Premier of the Western Cape and Western Cape MEC of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer
Premier Winde urges Western Cape agriculture sector to prepare adequately for Impact of ENSO
On 11 September 2026, Premier Alan Winde addressed a gathering of Western Cape agriculture sector stakeholders at NAMPO Cape, in Bredasdorp, to urge all role players to proactively prepare for a hotter summer.
The Premier stated, “For our agricultural sector, preparation cannot wait until summer is upon us. Farmers, producers, agricultural organisations, municipalities and our government must all be taking the necessary steps now to reduce risks and protect livelihoods in this critical sector of our economy.”
The Premier added that the province’s experience of recent years had reinforced the importance of planning ahead for the growing impacts of climate change, including the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon.
ENSO is a global climate cycle driven by changes in ocean temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. While its origins are thousands of kilometres away, changes associated with ENSO can influence weather patterns around the world
ENSO is currently in an El Niño state and is expected to strengthen over the coming months. While the most significant impacts of El Niño in South Africa are generally experienced in summer-rainfall regions, the Western Cape can also experience associated risks, including higher temperatures, increased wildfire risk and additional pressure on water resources.
The province has already seen the consequences of severe fires, with more than 200 000 hectares of land affected by wildfires during the previous fire season.
Premier Winde told the gathering that preparedness must extend across the entire province and every sector.
“Whether you are in agriculture, education, healthcare, local government or any other sector, we must all be prepared. It does not matter where you live in the Western Cape; we all have a role to play in reducing risk and keeping our communities safe. For those living and working in areas where the fire risk is higher, now is the time to act. Clearing vegetation, maintaining firebreaks, managing biomass and removing invasive alien plants are practical measures that can make a significant difference when conditions become hotter and drier.”
Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape MEC of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, reiterated the Premier’s call to action.
“Our farmers have already demonstrated their ability to adapt to difficult climate conditions, including the severe 2014–2016 drought period. The current response should therefore recognise the seriousness of reduced rainfall, higher temperatures and pressure on water resources.
In partnership with stakeholders, the department will be implementing the following interventions to reduce the impact of ENSO on agricultural production, food security and the economy of the Western Cape:
- Strengthening conservation agriculture practices.
- Improving water-use efficiency in irrigated areas.
- Prioritising support for dryland production areas.
- Strengthening risk management and preparedness systems.
- Providing support to agri workers.
Media Enquiries:
Regan Thaw - Media Liaison Officer to the Premier
Mobile number: 083 627 7246
Email: Regan.Thaw@westerncape.gov.za
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