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In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie speak with Stephanie Midgley, Specialist Scientist: Climate Change at the Department of Agriculture in the Western Cape, about what climate change really means for agriculture in South Africa.

Stephanie draws on over 30 years of experience in plant physiology, policy, and climate adaptation to explain the science behind shifting rainfall patterns, extreme weather, and long-term temperature rise. From sunburn on fruit to the politics of dam-building, she breaks down how farmers – and the rest of us – can adapt to what’s coming.

This conversation goes far beyond theory, offering a grounded, systems-level view of climate risks and resilience, especially in the uniquely Mediterranean climate of the Western Cape.

Key Takeaways:

•Climate change isn’t just about weather – it’s about long-term shifts in entire climate systems

•Western Cape is already experiencing a hotter, drier trend – with real impacts on fruit, livestock, and water supply

•The SmartAgri plan is a world-leading example of a science-based, farmer-driven adaptation strategy

•Practical on-farm adaptations like netting and breed choices can build resilience – but affordability remains a key challenge

•International collaboration with Mediterranean regions (via MCAP) is enabling shared learning on drought, fire, and heat

•Climate adaptation must happen across all sectors – from government policy to everyday water use

Find Stephanie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-midgley-6a01a732/

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