By Mpho Modiba
Water Research South Africa and its partners launched the Giyani Local Scale Resilience Programme at Ndambi village in Dzumeri under the Greater Giyani municipality.
The Giyani area is most likely prone to drought and climate change which results in a lack of water this programme aims to support farmers to have alternatives to water and energy supply especially solar energy.
Zanele Sifundza Water Research SA Enterprise Development Manager said they have assisted Emerging farmers and small-scale farmers such as Ahitirheni, Tubatse, Mangena and Ngambi. She further says the programme is assisted in the village such as Mayebu, Bizilela, Mbedle and Maduduzela.
This is a pilot programme that is still focusing on Giyani. Mopani District MMC for Agriculture Maripe Mangena said The programme is for the future and he would like to see the farmers who benefited from this programme selling their products in local retail stores such as Spar, Pick n Pay and Shoprite.
He says he wishes this programme can be expanded to other local municipalities in Mopani District.
