Search Results

South Africa is among the driest countries in the world, with an average annual rainfall of approximately 490 mm, of which only approximately 10% end up in the country’s rivers. 

The CSIR is using its expertise and technologies to help understand how environmental issues affect security, access to resources and development in Africa. The organisation has partnered with universities and governments across Africa, as well as the U.S. Africa Command, which is responsible for the U.S. government’s interaction with Africa on various issues, including humanitarian aid, military support and environmental needs.

International research shows that high crop loads are associated with high water demands. However, CSIR senior researcher Dr Sebinasi Dzikiti explains that no information currently exists on the water requirements of high-yielding apple orchards in South Africa and elsewhere. Thus, to support apple growers in a country saddled with water challenges, the CSIR has partnered with the Water Research Commission (WRC), the Agricultural Research Council, the South African Apple and Pear Producers Association represented by Hortgro Science, and the Universities of Stellenbosch and Pretoria to determine the water requirements of fruit trees with a particular focus on apple trees, from planting to full bearing age.

Researchers at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have co-authored the recently published South African - National Ecosystem Classification System handbook. This handbook was developed by the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) as part of its mandate in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (Act No. 10 of 2004).