South African farmers turn to renewable energy amid severe rolling blackouts

South African farmers are looking to small-scale renewable power after months of damaging energy supply problems. (Supplied: Wandile Sihlobo)

An energy crisis in South Africa has led farmers to consider switching to small-scale solar in a bid to keep the lights on and pumps running.

Earlier this week the country marked 100 days of consecutive "load shedding", which was caused by the country's ageing and poorly managed electricity grid, according the Agricultural Business Lobby's chief economist Wandile Sihlobo.