Alex Matlala

Limpopo farmers are all smiles after a higher than average rainfall in the province this month.

Districts such as Mopani, Sekhukhuni and Vhembe were experiencing a serious shortage of water.

Dams and rivers in the region were low, making the situation extremely difficult for both humans and animals.

Some villagers in Sekhukhuni, an area hard hit by drought, were so desperate they starting to make use of water from the rivers also used by wild animals.

Agriculture department spokes- man, Kathu Sadike, said the amount of rain that had fallen in different parts of the province since the beginning of the month was enough for both agriculture and human consumption.

Sadike said Limpopo's average rainfall this year was up 53 percent compared to last year this time.

"We expect more rain to fall in the province until February next year," he said.

Flag Boshielo Dam in Sekhukhuni is at capacity while the Tzaneen Dam, which was at five percent capacity this time last year, is at 53 percent.

The percentage is expected to rise if the rains continue this week.