Sbongile Meyiwa

My research seeks to understand the relationship between climate change and agricultural systems, particularly focusing on agro-climate extremes (Rainfall and Temperature) and their impacts on maize productivity in the Free State, South Africa. My research is centered around looking at the impacts of extreme weather conditions, especially drought, on maize productivity over the past four decades (1980-2020). Part of the study seeks to explore and characterize maize sensitivity to extremes. By analyzing historical data, with the aim to provide insights on how the extremes have varied over the years and how they have affected maize productivity, during those years. Furthermore, the study assesses the future trends of climate extremes for the forthcoming 40 years (2020-2060). This forward-looking approach seeks to understand the potential shifts and climatic patterns, comparing them to the  historical trends to gauge the trajectory of climate change impacts on maize productivity.