El Nino likely to threaten South Africa's food security

Given South Africa's heavy reliance on rainfed agriculture, the Agricultural Business Chamber recently remarked that the upcoming El Nino weather conditions could have potential negative effects on the country's long-term food security

Less rainfall as a result of the El Nino phenomenon is likely to result in droughts in South Africa. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

According to data generated by the International Research Institute for Climate, El Nino is expected to enter the region by the end of 2023. As the El Nino's above normal rainfall draws to an end, droughts are expected to hit the region, resulting in food insecurity.

Experts have commented that staple crops such as maize, which is rainfall dependent, are more likely to be affected, resulting in a drop in production. Moreover, it has been predicted that these El Nino-induced droughts may intensify, leading to further challenges in the region.