Agriculture in South Africa

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries. These goals recognise that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

Agriculture plays a crucial role in achieving several SDGs. For instance, Goal 2: Zero Hunger, directly calls for sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practices. Moreover, agriculture intersects with other goals such as Goal 1: No Poverty, Goal 13: Climate Action, and Goal 15: Life on Land.

The 2030 UN Sustainability Goals provide a roadmap for emerging farmers in South Africa. By aligning their practices with these goals, they can contribute to a sustainable future while improving their livelihoods. It is essential for all stakeholders, including the government, private sector, and the farmers themselves, to work together to overcome challenges and seize opportunities presented by these goals. South Africa’s agricultural sector is a crucial component of the nation’s economy, contributing significantly to food security, employment, and export earnings. However, the industry faces a multitude of challenges, hindering its potential to fully realise its contribution to the country’s development.

One of the key success factors for the South African agricultural sector has been the adoption of commercial farming practices, leading to increased productivity and efficiency. Additionally, the government has implemented various initiatives to support the sector, including land reform programs, subsidies, and infrastructure development.

Despite the challenges, South Africa’s agricultural sector has achieved notable successes. The country is a net exporter of agricultural products, ranking among the top ten global exporters of citrus, table grapes, maize, and wool. The sector provides employment to over 800,000 people, making it a significant contributor to the country’s workforce.

It’s prudent to point out that South Africa’s agricultural sector also faces significant challenges that hinder its growth and development such as  the lack of access to finance for small-scale farmers. This limits their ability to invest in technology, inputs, and infrastructure, hindering their productivity and competitiveness. Additionally, the sector is vulnerable to climate change, with droughts and floods becoming more frequent and severe, impacting crop yields and livestock production.

Emerging farmers in South Africa are pivotal to the future of the agricultural sector. They are the backbone of food security and one of the largest employers in the country. However, they face challenges such as access to finance, land transformation, and the need to keep pace with technological changes.

Emerging farmers can contribute significantly to the achievement of SDGs in South Africa. By adopting sustainable farming practices, they can help reduce hunger and poverty (Goals 1 and 2), promote decent work and economic growth (Goal 8), and combat climate change (Goal 13).

To address the challenges and capitalise on the opportunities in South Africa’s agricultural sector, several key steps can be taken.

1. Financial Inclusion: Financial institutions should develop tailored financial products and services to meet the needs of small-scale farmers, enabling them to access the capital necessary for growth.
2. Climate-Smart Agriculture: The adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices is crucial to mitigate the impact of climate change on the sector. This includes water conservation techniques, drought-resistant crops, and sustainable livestock management practices.
3. Market Access: Expanding market access for South African agricultural products, both domestically and internationally, is essential to enhance the sector’s profitability and sustainability.
4. Accelerated Land Reform: The government to proactively monitor the implementation of land reform while ensuring equitable access to land for emerging farmers. This includes providing support for emerging farmers, such as training, access to finance, and infrastructure development at an accelerated pace.
5. Research and Development: Investing in research and development is crucial to promote innovation and technological advancements, enabling the sector to improve productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.

By addressing these challenges and implementing these strategies, South Africa can unlock the full potential of its agricultural sector, transforming it into a driver of economic growth, food security, and inclusive development.

Moreover, the advancement in artificial intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize farming. Self-driving tractors and robotised weeding machines can increase productivity and efficiency. While the initial costs may be prohibitive, the technology is expected to become more affordable, benefiting emerging farmers. Through support from Eco-system role players in Agriculture including designated Business Advisors from reputable Organisations such as SAIPA, farmers,  can  be empowered to adopt environmentally friendly practices such as conservation tillage, integrated pest management, and water-efficient irrigation systems. This concerted effort has not only yielded positive environmental outcomes but can also enhance the sustainability of South Africa’s agricultural sector, ensuring its long-term viability against growing competition.

Author: Lesego Mokwena,

Business Advisor Specialist (SAIPA)