Tangelic Talks – Season 03 | Episode 01
Water, Climate & Agriculture: Resilience Strategies for Southern Africa w/ Prof. Mpandeli
9 minutes to read
n this episode of Tangelic Talks, we sit down with Professor Sylvester Mpandeli, a leading voice in the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus, to unpack how these three systems are deeply intertwined—and why understanding their connections is key to building climate resilience in Southern Africa. Drawing on over two decades of research, policy engagement, and on-the-ground work, Professor Mpandeli explains the WEF Nexus in clear, accessible terms, showing how climate change is disrupting resource flows and creating compounding risks for communities. We explore practical pathways for adaptation, from integrating traditional knowledge into agricultural innovation to scaling decentralized renewable energy systems that link water access and food production.
From Limpopo to Leadership
Professor Mpandeli’s roots are in rural Limpopo Province, South Africa, where he grew up in a farming community directly impacted by water scarcity, erratic rainfall, and limited resources. Those early experiences shaped his career path, inspiring him to pursue hydrology and agricultural water management.
After years of academic study and fieldwork, he emerged as a leading voice in climate adaptation—serving on national and continental advisory panels, contributing to African Union climate resilience frameworks, and leading programs that connect research with real-world impact.
Today, he is recognized not only for his scientific expertise but for his commitment to ensuring farmers, policymakers, and local leaders can access and apply critical climate knowledge.
The Climate-Water-Food Nexus
As Professor Mpandeli explains, climate change is already here—and nowhere is this more visible than in Africa’s agricultural systems. Droughts, floods, shifting rainy seasons, and rising temperatures are putting unprecedented stress on farmers.
“If we cannot secure water, we cannot secure food. If we cannot secure food, we cannot secure livelihoods.”
In Sub-Saharan Africa, agriculture employs 60–70% of the population and contributes significantly to GDP. Yet the sector is also the most vulnerable to climate extremes.
Key pressures include:
- Increased frequency and severity of droughts
- Unpredictable rainfall patterns affecting planting seasons
- Competition for limited water resources among households, industry, and farming
- Soil degradation due to overuse and climate stress
This interconnectedness—known as the climate-water-food nexus—means solutions must be holistic, addressing not just environmental challenges but also social and economic dimensions.
Smallholder Farmers: The Frontline of Climate Change
Smallholder farmers produce the majority of Africa’s food, yet they are often excluded from decision-making processes and lack access to adaptation resources.
Professor Mpandeli stresses that these farmers are first responders to climate change impacts. However, many still farm with outdated tools, have limited irrigation options, and rely solely on rainfall.
Challenges they face include:
- Limited access to climate data and seasonal forecasts
- Financial barriers to adopting modern irrigation or drought-resistant seeds
- Weak supply chains that hinder market access for their produce
Practical Climate-Smart Agriculture Solutions
Through his work at the WRC, Professor Mpandeli champions climate-smart agriculture (CSA)—a set of practices that boost productivity, enhance resilience, and reduce emissions.
Examples of CSA in action:
- Conservation agriculture: Minimal soil disturbance, crop rotation, and organic fertilization to preserve soil health.
- Drought-resistant crops: Varieties that can survive water stress and still produce stable yields.
- Rainwater harvesting: Low-cost systems to capture and store water for irrigation.
- Efficient irrigation technologies: Drip systems that minimize water loss.
These practices are adapted to local conditions, ensuring farmers can integrate them without over-reliance on expensive imports or complex infrastructure.
Bridging Science and Community Knowledge
A recurring theme in this episode is the translation of science into actionable guidance.
“We need to speak the language of the farmers,” Professor Mpandeli emphasizes.
Scientific research often remains locked in academic journals or policy briefs. The WRC works to make data accessible—simplifying climate models, producing user-friendly tools, and training extension officers who can deliver tailored advice directly to farmers.
Policy, Cooperation, and the Regional Picture
Climate change is not confined by borders, making regional cooperation essential. Professor Mpandeli advocates for:
- Joint water resource management across shared river basins.
- Regional knowledge exchanges to share best practices.
- Coordinated investment in infrastructure that supports resilience.
He also highlights the importance of aligning adaptation strategies with economic development goals—ensuring that resilience measures create jobs, reduce poverty, and strengthen local economies.
Youth and Innovation: The Next Generation of Solutions
Professor Mpandeli is particularly passionate about engaging young people in climate adaptation.
Young entrepreneurs and scientists bring fresh perspectives, technological skills, and the drive to innovate. Empowering them with funding, mentorship, and research opportunities can accelerate progress in water and agriculture resilience.
Involving youth also ensures intergenerational continuity—passing knowledge from experienced farmers to emerging leaders who will shape Africa’s agricultural future.
Thought Provoking Q&A Session with Professor Mpandeli
Professor Sylvester Mpandeli
Climate and Water Expert
Sylvester Mpandeli is an Professor Extraordinaire at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Faculty of Science and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Venda, Faculty of Science Engineering and Agriculture. He is also affiliated to the University of South Africa (UNISA) as Extraordinary Professor at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. He works at the Water Research Commission since 2013. In addition, he is the Vice President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), a member of the Management Board of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), Chairperson of the Permanent Committee of Technical Activities (PCTA) of the ICID, Chairman of the South African National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (SANCID) and a Deputy Chairperson of the Board at the South African Weather Service (SAWS).
Recently he was appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Global Change Steering Committee by the National Research Foundation (NRF). Furthermore, he is a member of the Gauteng Premier’s Climate Change Advisory team. Prof Mpandeli is the youngest ever recipient of the SANCID Leadership Award. He sits in Strategic
Advisory Committees across the globe. He has been invited as key note speaker all over the globe. He obtained his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Climatology at the University of Witwatersrand (Wits) in 2006. He has supervised several local and international Masters and Doctoral students and served as an external examiner for many universities in South Africa and other international universities. He has published more than 300 scientific papers, books, book chapters, popular articles and conference proceedings. His research focus areas are water – energy – food nexus, agricultural water management and climate change adaptation.
