Rain clouds hang over the Karoo near Graaff-Reinet October 26, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Picture taken October 26, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY)

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Irrigated farmland breaks up an arid landscape near the small town of Nieu-Bethesda in the Karoo October 10, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Picture taken October 10, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY AGRICULTURE)

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A tin shack sits beside a dusty road near the small town of Nieu-Bethesda in the Karoo October 10, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Picture taken October 10, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY)

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A truck throws up dust on a road near Aberdeen in the Karooa October 11, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Picture taken October 11, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY TRANSPORT)

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A man carries wire baskets he hopes to sell to tourists in the small town of Nieu-Bethesda in the Karoo October 10, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Picture taken October 10, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS TRAVEL SOCIETY)

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Spring flowers blossom in an arid landscape near Laingsburg in the Karoo October 11, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Picture taken October 11, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY)

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Stone furrows carry water from a spring through the small town of Nieu-Bethesda in the Karoo October 10, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Picture taken October 10, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY)

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Stone furrows carry water from a spring through the small town of Nieu-Bethesda in the Karoo October 10, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Picture taken October 10, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY)

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Game farmer Hennie Barnard looks out over his land near Aberdeen in the Karoo October 10, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Barnard says he realises that South Africa needs energy, but fears fracking will disturb agriculture and could affect the country's food security. Picture taken October 10, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY)

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Piet Makwena waters his cabbages in a township in Nieu-Bethesda, the Karoo October 27, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Some residents fear hydraulic fracturing will pollute scarce water supplies and destabilise agriculture, which has for three centuries been the mainstay of the local economy. Picture taken October 27, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: AGRICULTURE ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY)

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Children play in an impoverished township on the outskirts of Nieu-Bethesda in the Karoo October 26, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Some residents fear hydraulic fracturing will pollute scarce water supplies and destabilise agriculture, which has for three centuries been the mainstay of the local economy. Picture taken October 26, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: SOCIETY POVERTY ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS)

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People walk past a derelict building in Nieu-Bethesda in the Karoo October 27, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Some residents fear hydraulic fracturing will pollute scarce water supplies and destabilise agriculture, which has for three centuries been the mainstay of the local economy. Picture taken October 27, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: SOCIETY POVERTY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS)

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Garlic farmer Molly Nikelo peers out of a shack window in Nieu-Bethesda in the Karoo October 11, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Nikelo, a 59-year-old grandmother fears the process of fracking may threaten scarce water resources. Picture taken October 11, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: AGRICULTURE TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY)

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A dog lies in the afternoon sun outside a shack in Nieu-Bethesda in the Karoo October 27, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Some residents fear hydraulic fracturing will pollute scarce water supplies and destabilise agriculture, which has for three centuries been the mainstay of the local economy. Picture taken October 27, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: ANIMALS ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY)

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Farm labourer Lano Williams (C) and construction worker Marno Koopman (L) tend to cart horses in a township outside Nieu-Bethesda in the Karoo October 27, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Williams and Koopman fear hydraulic fracturing will pollute scarce water supplies and destabilise agriculture, which has for three centuries been the mainstay of the local economy. Picture taken October 27, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: ANIMALS ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY)

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Farm labourer Lano Williams repairs his horse cart in a township outside Nieu-Bethesda in the Karoo October 27, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Williams and Koopman fear hydraulic fracturing will pollute scarce water supplies and destabilise agriculture, which has for three centuries been the mainstay of the local economy. Picture taken October 27, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: AGRICULTURE ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY)

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A child carries water in Nieu-Bethesda in the Karoo October 27, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Some residents fear hydraulic fracturing will pollute scarce water supplies and destabilise agriculture, which has for three centuries been the mainstay of the local economy. Picture taken October 27, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY)

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Cracked earth marks a dried-up watering hole on a farm near Aberdeen in the Karoo October 11, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Some residents fear hydraulic fracturing will pollute scarce water supplies and destabilise agriculture, which has for three centuries been the mainstay of the local economy. Picture taken October 11, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY)

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Antelope bones are scattered across an arid landscape near Aberdeen in the Karoo October 11, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Some residents fear hydraulic fracturing will pollute scarce water supplies and destabilise agriculture, which has for three centuries been the mainstay of the local economy. Picture taken October 11, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: ANIMALS ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY)

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Sparse vegetation stands in an arid landscape near Aberdeen in the Karoo October 11, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Some residents fear hydraulic fracturing will pollute scarce water supplies and destabilise agriculture, which has for three centuries been the mainstay of the local economy. Picture taken October 11, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY)

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The branches of a thorn tree are seen in an arid landscape near Aberdeen in the Karoo October 11, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Some residents fear hydraulic fracturing will pollute scarce water supplies and destabilise agriculture, which has for three centuries been the mainstay of the local economy. Picture taken October 11, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY)

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Sheep gather around a watering hole near Aberdeen in the Karoo October 11, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Some residents fear hydraulic fracturing will pollute scarce water supplies and destabilise agriculture, which has for three centuries been the mainstay of the local economy. Picture taken October 11, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: ANIMALS ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

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Sheep gather around a watering hole near Aberdeen in the Karoo October 11, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Some residents fear hydraulic fracturing will pollute scarce water supplies and destabilise agriculture, which has for three centuries been the mainstay of the local economy. Picture taken October 11, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS ANIMALS SOCIETY)

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A windmill pumps water from a borehole near Graaf Reinet in the Karoo October 11, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Some residents fear hydraulic fracturing will pollute scarce water supplies and destabilise agriculture, which has for three centuries been the mainstay of the local economy. Picture taken October 11, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY)

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The sun sets over a road near Graaff Reinet in the Karoo October 11, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Some residents fear hydraulic fracturing will pollute scarce water supplies and destabilise agriculture, which has for three centuries been the mainstay of the local economy. Picture taken October 11, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY)

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The sun sets over the Valley of Desolation near Graaff Reinet in the Karoo October 11, 2013. Stretching across the heart of South Africa, the Karoo has stirred emotions for centuries, a stunning semi-desert wilderness fit mainly for artists, hunters and the toughest of farmers. It is now rousing less romantic passions. If energy companies and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) get their way, it will soon be home to scientists and geologists mapping out shale gas fields touted as game-changers for Africa's biggest economy, and working out whether fracking will work here. Some residents fear hydraulic fracturing will pollute scarce water supplies and destabilise agriculture, which has for three centuries been the mainstay of the local economy. Picture taken October 11, 2013. To match Insight SAFRICA-FRACKING/ REUTERS/Mike Hutchings (SOUTH AFRICA - Tags: ENVIRONMENT ENERGY BUSINESS SOCIETY)

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