A recent article by Prof. Steven Robins in Daily Maverick, published on 2 February 2026, offers a stark and timely reflection on the deepening water crisis in the Groot Karoo. His account underscores a critical reality: water scarcity is no longer a distant or abstract threat. It is already transforming landscapes, straining ecosystems, and reshaping the livelihoods of communities across the region.

Titled “Where Has All the Water Gone? Reflections on a Visit to the Groot Karoo Drylands,” Steven describes a trip to the Groot Karoo drylands and highlights the severe impacts of ongoing drought and water scarcity in the region. In the article he explores how the lack of water is affecting local communities, agriculture, and ecosystems, highlighting the growing environmental and social challenges as the region potentially enters another prolonged dry cycle.

The situation in the Karoo is not isolated. It mirrors broader water security challenges facing parts of the Western Cape and other regions of South Africa. As climate pressures intensify, questions surrounding sustainable land use, water governance, and long-term adaptation are becoming increasingly urgent.

For deeper insights into the unfolding situation in the Karoo, the full article is available on their website.

Photo by Steven Robins taken outside of Prince Albert.
Source: Daily Maverick, 2026.