# Small-scale farmers are being warned of hotter conditions and unpredictable rainfall during the 2026/27 summer season. The National Department of Agriculture’s latest El Niño advisory forecasts below-normal rainfall and high temperatures, raising risks for crops and livestock. Agriculture experts say many small-scale farmers understand the risks but lack water, infrastructure and finance to prepare. They recommend water harvesting, composting and planting drought-tolerant crops. In addition they warn that reduced production could affect farmer incomes, food availability and prices, calling for sustained investment in climate adaptation.
El Niño heat puts small-scale farmers at risk