Farmers across South Africa are experiencing significant mental and emotional stress as extreme weather events, driven by climate change, threaten their livelihoods.
The relentless pressures of trying to keep their operations afloat are taking a serious toll, with some farmers describing the situation as almost unbearable.
Thabo Dithakgwe, a livestock farmer in North West, is one of many farmers facing severe mental strain in light of repeated disasters. The impact has been devastating, with Dithakgwe losing 1 600 hectares of land to veld fires.
“These recent droughts and veld fires have really affected me both financially and mentally. I’m currently struggling financially to maintain my livestock. I’ve spent so much money this year due to the drought. I haven’t received any rainfall to date,” he explained.
Psychological impact of hostile climate
Adding to his distress is the frustration of feeling abandoned. Despite government officials visiting his farm to document the devastation, he has yet to receive any tangible support. “Government officials have come to the farm to take reports but [I] haven’t received any assistance,” Dithakgwe said.
The absence of help has left him on the brink of giving up. “I’m so close to closing down my farming operation,” he says. A statement that reflects the mental anguish of facing a future where years of effort may go to waste.
In the Western Cape, mixed farmer Roland Trout is also battling the psychological effects of relentless climate challenges.
A heatwave that began in October 2023 and stretched until March 2024 devastated his crops, and the resulting losses have been difficult to bear. His comment reflects the mental exhaustion felt by many farmers who, season after season, are confronted with weather extremes they can’t control or predict.
Trout further described how the agricultural landscape itself is becoming increasingly hostile. “I lost a lot of plants last year due to climate change, it makes me struggle to keep my sanity.”
Seeking mental support
Thandokazi Ntuli, a counselling psychologist, emphasised the significant impact of extreme weather on farmers’ psychological well-being. The hardships caused by climate change are putting farmers at risk of mental disorders, she said.
“Mental health and general health of farmers is crucial in ensuring food and nutritional security for our society. However they might struggle to adapt to these conditions, which exposes them to the risk of mental health issues,” she said.
According to Ntuli, extreme weather events can trigger psychological distress, sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety. “These extreme weather difficulties definitely disrupt social and environmental settings, which results in psychological stress,” she said.
Ntuli explained that the connection farmers have with their land is deeply emotional, and when that connection is disrupted, the impact is profound. This ongoing worry about the environment not only affects farmers but also ripples through their families and communities.
“When we look into mental issues that they might experience due to these extreme weather conditions, they might find themselves dealing with low motivation, low self-esteem, and even trauma.”
Ntuli explained that farmers must access mental health support and avoid negative coping mechanisms such as increased alcohol use or social withdrawal.
“We do have certain groups in South Africa for mental health support, like the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) and the South African Federation for Mental Health. Rather than resorting to negative coping mechanisms, talk to someone, seek support as soon as possible,” she advised.
READ NEXT: Tapula calls for collaboration to tackle Africa’s hunger crisis
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain
