MUSINA, South Africa — Every morning, Limpopo farmer Kedibone Khakhu walks through rows of tomato plants on his farm in Musina, carefully inspecting leaves, stems and fruit. It is a routine he rarely skips, writes Lesiba Machaka.
For Khakhu, growing tomatoes is not simply another farming activity. It is one of agriculture’s most demanding responsibilities, requiring constant attention and vigilance.
“If you see a farmer who is able to produce tomatoes successfully, that is one of the best farmers you can find,” says Khakhu, owner of Bogha General Supply.
His confidence comes from experience. After studying Farm Management at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Khakhu left the mining industry in 2010 to pursue a career in agriculture.
Over the years, he has built a diverse farming operation producing maize, tomatoes, cabbage, butternut and peri-peri.
The business now employs 75 permanent workers and up to 100 seasonal labourers during planting and harvesting periods.
Yet despite the growth of his enterprise, Khakhu says farming is becoming increasingly challenging as weather patterns continue to change.
According to him, tomatoes are among the most difficult crops to grow because they are highly sensitive to weather conditions and vulnerable to pests and disease.
“Tomatoes are like a patient in a hospital,” he explains.
“You have to look after them every day. You must inspect them regularly and make sure they are not affected by insects or disease.”
The changing climate has added another layer of uncertainty to an already demanding profession.
Khakhu says farmers must pay close attention to seasonal conditions before deciding what and when to plant.
“During winter, you cannot plant too many tomatoes. Last year we experienced a cold front and our production did not perform well. But we continue learning and we pay close attention to weather patterns before planting.”
His observations reflect concerns shared by climate specialists working with farming communities across the region.
Jenny Botha, Community Specialist at the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT), says climate change is increasing risks for farmers throughout the Western Soutpansberg and surrounding areas.
“Prolonged dry spells and heatwaves reduce crop yields and grazing and water availability for livestock,” says Botha.
She notes that many small-scale farmers depend largely on rainfall because they do not have access to irrigation systems. As a result, they are especially vulnerable when rains arrive late or become unpredictable.
“Later rains delay planting and shorten the growing season. Water scarcity is becoming a major threat, especially in semi-arid regions such as the Western Soutpansberg.”
The effects of changing weather patterns extend beyond crop production.
According to Botha, reduced agricultural output can increase food insecurity while prolonged droughts place additional pressure on already limited water resources.
“In some villages, people have reduced farming activities, particularly during droughts. This increases vulnerability to food insecurity at household and community level,” she says.
Despite these challenges, Khakhu remains optimistic about the future of farming.
He acknowledges that government support programmes have provided valuable assistance during difficult seasons.
“Government is trying to assist honestly. Maybe not 100%, but they do their best. They provide fertiliser, seeds and other forms of support.”
At the same time, organisations such as the Endangered Wildlife Trust are working with local communities to strengthen resilience through climate-smart agricultural practices.
The EWT currently supports more than 40 participants in the Western Soutpansberg through training programmes focused on regenerative agriculture, soil management and climate adaptation techniques.
According to Botha, these initiatives are already producing encouraging results.
“Despite higher-than-average rainfall last season and increased pest outbreaks, participants are successfully harvesting vegetables for household consumption and sale,” she says.
For Khakhu, adapting to climate change is not only about changing farming methods. It is also about continuous learning.
Managing a large farming operation requires practical experience, leadership and the ability to work with people, he says.
“We learn every day. Sometimes I work with more than 200 casual workers and you need to understand people and know how to manage them.”
He believes education remains one of the most important ingredients for success in agriculture.
“You do not necessarily need a doctorate, but you need a strong foundation. You need management skills, financial skills and knowledge of how to run a farm. Education helps you grow your business.”
As climate change continues to reshape farming conditions across Limpopo, Khakhu is encouraging young people and women to explore opportunities in agriculture.
“There are many opportunities in farming despite the challenges,” he says.
For farmers like Khakhu, the future may be uncertain as weather patterns continue to shift. But adaptation, knowledge and resilience are becoming increasingly important tools for survival.
In a changing climate, success in farming depends not only on rainfall, but also on the ability to learn, adapt and persevere.