Mahikeng – The Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development is calling upon farmers in the North West province to participate in the Drought Assessment Process. The impact of climate change, which led to the western part of the country dry, has affected the North West province and this has led to the province experiencing frequency of drought in the recent years.

According to MEC Manketsi Tlhape, assessment processes should assist the department to determine how farmers have been affected by drought. An evaluation done by the departments has revealed that the province is facing poor conditions in both crop and livestock commodities and that is due to the sporadic rainfall accompanied by several heat waves as experienced this year.

“Farmers who would want to participate in the disaster relief scheme for assistance are requested to complete the assessment forms available from Municipal offices, Agricultural Structures, Extension officers and Animal Health Practitioners” MEC Manketsi Tlhape said.

Forms are available from Monday, 23 March 2015 and should be completed and returned on or before 10 April 2015. These completed forms should be returned to the nearest departmental offices.

Although the assessment is a pre-requisite to qualify for any possible assistance, assessment is not a notice that assistance or relief has or will be granted.

-TDN

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