ALM UNDP

Background

Western Cape’s climate is Mediterranean – warm and sunny, with most rainfall during the winter months. In the last decade, the region experienced unusual droughts, most notably in 2004-2005 when agricultural production declined by 30% in the Berg River basin and municipal water rationing was implemented. It is not clear yet whether these droughts reflect long-term climate change or short-term variability, but they are projected to occur more frequently in most climate change scenarios. Moreover, the IPCC Special Report Emission Series (SRES) consistently suggests a future reduction in rainfall in this already arid region.

The most immediate challenge facing the region is balancing scarce water supply with rising demand. Water demand is expected to increase 45% by 2020, while a 20% supply shortfall is predicted for the same year. Dividing this scarce resource equitably and efficiently between ecological uses and domestic, industrial, and agricultural use will be a serious challenge.

The project takes place against the backdrop of political change. Recent land and water reforms aim to transfer at least 30% of South Africa’s agricultural land and water to people defined as “previously disadvantaged” during the apartheid era. The process has been slow, but some of the most successful land reform projects have been in the fruit and wine industry. This sector, however, is extremely vulnerable to climate change.

The project aims to bring together disparate stakeholders with interests in Western Cape water management to build relationships that will endure as water allocation gets tougher. Better-informed planning will be crucial to prevent job losses in commercial farming and reduce risks for small and resource poor farmers. Since the Berg River basin northeast of Cape Town supplies water to the city and to surrounding fruit farmers, the Berg River Catchment Management Agency (CMA) is a key stakeholder.