Lihle Khumalo

Lihle is currently doing her master's with CSAG exploring the potential of seasonal forecast uptake in viticulture following a risk assessment approach. Her study is motivated by the rapid rise in climate variability in recent years in South Africa and wants to understand the subsequent impact in one of South Africa's most significant economic sectors. This study will administer face to face interviews with wine grape farmers to understand their use (or non-use) of seasonal forecasting as a tool in viticulture and the risks that exist therein. The Intergration of risk management in viticulture as additional sustainability tool highlights the originality of this study. Through this study, Lihle hopes to develop a decision support tool that will aid wine grape farmers in making better informed decisions regarding when and how to use seasonal forecasting in their management practices to help them avoid, mitigate or control any significant losses to the produce and the wine business overall.