Farmer’s Master’s in Drought Resilience | Johannesburg News

At 80, this sheep farmer from the Upper Karoo just earned a Master of Commerce in economics — and his research reveals how droughts are crushing farmers’ livelihoods and mental health. After decades on the land, Charl Johannes van der Merwe finally pursued his long-held dream, using his lived experience to uncover what really helps farmers survive dry spells. His findings? Financial aid often fails; real resilience comes from tech, innovation, and emotional support. With nearly half his livestock lost and three-quarters of farmers showing signs of depression, he’s calling for smarter, deeper solutions — and credits his family for making this lifelong journey possible. This degree isn’t just an achievement — it’s a legacy built in the dust. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/c9bb36ced679f130