South Africa is suitable for the cultivation of a large variety of crops. The largest area of  farmland is planted for maize, followed by wheat and, on a lesser scale, sugar cane and sunflower.

 Although agricultural production has almost doubled over the last 30 years, the volume has been erratic in the last decade, primarily because of the severe droughts experienced. The country is, however, still self-sufficient as far as most primary foods are concerned, with the exception of  wheat, oilseeds, rice, tea and coffee.

 Maize is an important agricultural product, approximately 3,7 million tons were used during 2000 for human consumption, while 3,2 million tons were processed as farm feed by the industry. The remaining maize crop is usually exported to neighboring countries.

 Wheat production during 2000 amounted to 2,3 million tons, of which 2,4 million tons are for human consumption. As a result of  varying weather conditions, wheat has to be imported during some years.

 On average 0,5 million tons of sunflower seeds are produced annually. In 2000 the production of sunflower oilcake was estimated at  215 040 tons.

PRODUCTION

 Sugar cane and maize, with respective yields of  23 876 and 10 350 million tons in 2000, form the basis of the major commodities such as molasses and maize meal.

 The annual production of sugar cane is normally approximately 18 million tons and sugar exports total about 1,2 million tons per year.

South Africa is well known for the high quality of its deciduous fruit. During 2000, 1,4 million tons were produced. Up to 32% in the case of deciduous fruit and 48% in the case of citrus fruit are exported.

 In 2000, the greasy wool clip came to 52 671 tons and South Africa managed to produce 25% of Africa’s wool crop. In 2000, the country’s mutton production amounted to 114 000 tons. The main breeds of sheep are fine-woolled Merino, the South African mutton Merino, Dohne Merino, Dorper (the latter two are locally developed breeds) and the Karakul. The Karoo is one of the main sheep farming areas in the country, with the Karakul industry limited to the dry northwestern regions of the Cape Province. In 2000 the national herd was estimated at 28,6 million sheep.

 South Africa’s national commercial herd is estimated at 13,5 million, including various international dairy and beef-cattle breeds, as well as indigenous breeds such as the Afrikaner and Nguni. Locally developed breeds are the Drakensberger and Bonsmara. These breeds are systematically and scientifically improved through the breeding programmes, performance testing and the evaluation of  functional efficiency. Almost  480 00 tons of  beef were produced in 1996. Owing to the relatively low carrying capacity on the natural pastures (72 million hectares) extensive cattle-ranching is practiced in the lower rain fall regions.

 Unlike many other parts of the world, South Africa does not have navigable rivers that can be utilized economically for transport.

 Goods are, therefore transported mainly by road and rail. Main-route railways in the country cover a total distance of  21 244 km. Extensive use is made of air transport for exporting perishable products, such as flowers.

 As far as the per capita consumption for 2000 was concerned, maize once again heads the list of major consumer products (more than 92 kgs/person/year).

Wheat has the second largest annual consumption of 44 kg followed by potatoes and sugar with consumption rates of  31 kg/person/year.

 Pork has a much lower consumption rate (92,7 kg/person/year) compared to other meat products such as poultry with an annual consumption of more than 21 kg/person or beef and veal (14 kg/person/year).

GROSS INCOME OF FARMERS

 During 2000 the gross income of farmers amounted to R43 718 million. Field crops accounted for R13 100 million, horticulture for R11 603 million and livestock products for R19 015.The highest income was realized from poultry products followed by maize and cattle and calf slaughtering.

BACKWARD AND FORWARD LINKAGE IN AGRICULTURE

 Although agriculture contributed only 3,2% to the gross domestic production in 2000, it is important to note its backward and forward linkages to the national economy.

Agriculture is an important market for the manufacturing sector.

 In 2000 approximately R3 003 million was spent on fuel, R2 377 million on fertilizers, R5 384 million on farmfeeds, R1 748 million on packaging materials,

R 2 411 million on dips and sprays and R10 151 million on other farming commodities. The manufacturing sector purchased goods from agriculture to the value of R35 522 million.

 During 2000 the agriculture sector purchased new vehicles, tractors and implements to the value of R3 068 million, while in fixed improvements for the corresponding period came to R3 090 million.

AGRICULTURE EXPORTS

 The agriculture sector is an important earner of foreign exchange. In 2000, agricultural exports resulted in foreign exchange to the value of  R14 573 million. Sugar accounted for the largest export value as well as wine, citrus fruit, grapes, preserved fruits and nuts

 Agricultural exports accounted for 7% of the total SA exports in 2000

 Although the country represents approximately 6% of the total population and 4% of the total surface area of the African continent, it nevertheless produces a significant proportion of the total agricultural production of the African continent.

CONCLUSION

 South Africa’s strategic position at the southern-most tip of Africa enables it to make a large contribution towards agricultural development, the protection of scarce resources, social upliftment and the well being of the continents population. It is furthermore estimated that in South Africa, 6 million people are dependant on agriculture for a livelihood, whilst every South African benefits from the country’s agriculture. The country’s expertise and specialist services are available to all its neighboring states as well as the rest of Africa.