Agriculture in the Provinces

Introduction

Unemployment and the associated lack of food security are the greatest crises facing South Africa. Stats SA (2023) gave the percentage of the working age officially unemployed per province (Third Quarter, 2023; Second Quarter in brackets) as:

  • Western Cape – 20,2 % (from 20,9% previous Quarter)
  • Northern Cape – 26,3% (from 26,9%)
  • Limpopo – 30,8% (from 31,6%)
  • KwaZulu-Natal – 29,4% (31,0% previously)
  • Mpumalanga – 35,5% (from 38,4%)
  • North West – 38,6% (36,8% in Second Quarter)
  • Gauteng – 33,7% (from 34,4%)
  • Free State – 38,5% (36,7%)
  • Eastern Cape – 38,3% (39,7% previously)

Where can jobs be created for the population? Twelve years ago (2011) the National Development Plan tackled this and other issues, and set out targets to reach by 2030. Some agricultural sectors have already met and gone beyond their targets (see the annual Bureau for Food & Agricultural Policy (BFAP) Baselines), but there is still much to do.

Let’s take a look at how agriculture does in the provinces, and sketch what agricultural activities occur …

Contents

Contents

Eastern Cape
Free State
Gauteng
KwaZulu-Natal
Limpopo
Mpumalamga
North West
Northern Cape
Western Cape
Members of the Executive Council (MECs)
Websites and publications

Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape is the second largest province (after the Northern Cape) and accounts for 9.7% of South Africa’s agricultural production (Sihlobo, 2019). It has the third largest share of the country’s commercial agricultural land (37,1%) (Stats SA, 2020). With plentiful grassland and (usually) good rainfalls, the Eastern Cape hosts the largest percentage of the country’s livestock – 39% of its goats, 30% of its sheep and 25% of its cattle (DALRRD, 2023). It is the most important province when it comes to wool and mohair production. It has 17% of the country’s milk producers, producing 28% of the country’s milk (MPO, 2023). It has 6.5% of the country’s broilers (SAPA, 2021). After Limpopo and the Northern Cape, this province hosts the most number of game farms (DEA, 2018).

The broken surface of the land precludes large scale agronomy, yet a wide variety of crops are cultivated. These include:

  • Maize, lucerne, dry beans, sunflower, chicory, sugar beet, olives, hemp, flax, tea and sugar cane
  • Cabbage, tomatoes, onion, spinach and carrots pumpkins, watermelons and potatoes
  • Pineapples, peaches, oranges, lemons, apricots, guava, bananas and avocado

The shoreline lends itself to fishing. Squid forms the basis of the province’s fishing industry. There is some recreational and commercial fishing for line fish, the collection of marine resources, and access to line-catches of hake.

Potential agribusiness opportunities are fruit processing, maize milling, meat processing, juice/milk processing, tanneries and taxidermy.

The district municipalities

District/Metropolitan Municipality Website
Alfred Nzo www.andm.gov.za
Amathole www.amathole.gov.za
Buffalo City www.buffalocity.gov.za
Chris Hani www.chrishanidm.gov.za
Joe Gqabi https://jgdm.gov.za
Nelson Mandela Bay www.nelsonmandelabay.gov.za
OR Tambo http://ortambodm.gov.za
Sarah Baartman www.sarahbaartman.co.za

Provincial Department of Agriculture

Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform

Head of Department: Ms S Ndudane

  • Tel: 040 602 5013

The website provides contact details for this department and its offices across the Eastern Cape districts.

For more information on the province:

Some articles:

Free State

A quarter of the country’s arable land is in the Free State, and so it is understandable that agriculture is central to the well-being of the province. The province accounts for 15.2% of the country’s agricultural production (Sihlobo, 2019). In the last Census of Commercial Agriculture (2017), Stats SA has the Free State coming in at second place, after the Western Cape, in contribution to agricultural income (R46,9 billion or 14,1%) (Stats SA, 2020).

It is a principal producer of summer and winter crops. Major grain and oilseed crops are given here followed by the percentage that the Free State contributed to national production: maize (43.7%), grain sorghum (18%), groundnuts (40%), sunflower (56%), dry beans (28.5%) and soy beans (46.8%). Some 20.6% of the country’s wheat came from this province too (DALRRD, 2023).

The eastern part, which is mountainous and has a temperate climate, is home to the country’s cherry and asparagus sectors. Other deciduous fruit – apples, berries, peaches, plums and apricots – do well here. Some 28% of the country’s commercial potato producers live in this province (Potatoes SA, 2018). The south consists of karoo/semi-desert vegetation.

Sheep (20%), cattle (16%), pigs (4%) and other livestock are farmed (DALRRD, 2023).  The province has 11% of the country’s milk producers, responsible for 4% of the nation’s milk (MPO, 2023); its also has 7% of its dairy processors (Milk SA, 2023). Layers in this province come up with 16.4% of the country’s eggs; the province also produces over 13% of our broilers (SAPA, 2021).

The province has established its own private investigators initiative that focuses on livestock theft. See https://vrystaatlandbou.co.za.

The district municipalities

District/Metropolitan Municipality Website
Fezile Dabi www.feziledabi.fs.gov.za
Thabo Mofutsanyana www.thabomofutsanyana.fs.gov.za
Lejweleputswa www.lejweleputswa.fs.gov.za
Mangaung Metro www.mangaungmetro.fs.gov.za
Xhariep www.xhariep.fs.gov.za

Provincial Department of Agriculture

Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

Head of Department: Dr T Masiteng

  • Tel: 051 861 8509
  • Office Manager –  051 861 8440
  • Communication & Information Services –  051 861 8311

For more information on the province:

Some articles:

Gauteng

Gauteng has about 3% of the country’s arable land. The Census of Commercial Agriculture 2017 has Gauteng at the bottom when it comes to the number of farms (5,7%), commercial agricultural land (0.8%) and commercial agriculture employees (4,8%) (Stats SA, 2020). It accounts 4.7% of South Africa’s agricultural production (Sihlobo, 2019).

The province’s agricultural sector is mostly geared to providing the cities and towns with daily fresh produce including vegetables, fruit, meat, eggs, dairy products and flowers.

Over a quarter of the country’s egg production happens in Gauteng, as well as 9.6% of its broiler production (SAPA, 2021). The province has 11% of the country’s pigs (DALRRD, 2023), and 17% of South Africa’s commercial pork producers (SAPPO, 2019). Although it does not really feature for milk production, 32% of the country’s milk processors and 22% of its producer-distributors are found here (Milk SA, 2023). Maize (4%) and soybeans (4%) are the major crops (DALRRD, 2023). Some 4% of the country’s commercial potato producers live in this province (PSA, 2018).

 

 

Provincial Department of Agriculture

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
  • Tel: 011 240 2500
  • Physical: No​ 56 Eloff Street, Umnotho House, ​Johannesburg
  • Email: numerous email addresses can be found on the website
  • Website: www.gauteng.gov.za

Head of Department:  Ms Matilda Gasela

On the website find the contact details for the offices at Germiston, Bronkhorstspruit, Suikersbosrand, Pretoria, Temba and the Ntirhisano Walk-in Centre.

For more information on the province:

Some articles:

KwaZulu-Natal

The province is home to a significant percentage of South Africa’s small-scale farmers. It has good rainfall, fertile soils and three different geographic areas: the lowland region along the Indian Ocean, plains in the central region, and two mountainous areas—the Drakensberg and the Lebombo mountains. This translates to a range of agricultural activities. Of the 6.5 million hectares of farming land, 18% is good for crops and 82% suitable for livestock activities. KwaZulu-Natal accounts for 8.5% of South Africa’s agricultural production (Sihlobo, 2019). The Census of Commercial Agriculture 2017 has this province as contributing 10,2% to total agricultural income in 2017 and accounting for 12,7% of commercial agriculture employees (Stats SA, 2020).

The province’s trademark agricultural commodity is sugar cane, with soybeans (5.8%), dry beans (6.4%) and maize (5%) being other major field crops (DALRRD, 2023). Larger than the province’s maize sector and with an annual trade worth around R62-million, indigenous medicinal plants is a commodity flying below the radar. KwaZulu-Natal accounts for 18% of the country’s avocados (Subtrop, 2023). It has the second largest portion of hectares in the country planted with macadamia trees, accounting for 31.5% of total production (SAMAC, 2023), and the province grows 11% of the country’s grapefruit (CGA, 2023). Other subtropical fruit and vegetables are grown, while the areas around Vryheid, Eshowe, Richmond and Harding are used for forestry.

Livestock does well in this province. The midlands area is known for its dairy farms, 21% of the country’s milk producers living in this province. KwaZulu-Natal produces 28,5% of the nation’s milk, and 11% of the country’s dairy producer-distributors and 15% of its milk processors live in this province (MPO, 2023; Milk SA, 2023). KwaZulu-Natal has 19% of the country’s cattle, 13% of its goats and 11% of its pigs (DALRRD, 2023). Interestingly, KwaZulu-Natal has the highest number – 36% – of South Africa’s commercial pork producers (SAPPO, 2019). It has 11.8% of the country’s layers (eggs) and 5.8% of its broilers (SAPA, 2021).

Provincial Department of Agriculture

KZN Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD)

Head of Department: Mr Zibusiso Dlamini

  • Tel: 033 355 9690

A full list of contact details for all local and district offices, research stations, veterinary services and extension and advisory services and more can be found on the website.

For more information on the province:

Limpopo

Included in the areas of opportunity in this, the most northern province, are agribusiness and eco-tourism. It shares borders with three neighbouring countries – Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique – which opens the province to further possibilities.

The Census of Commercial Agriculture 2017 has Limpopo near the lower end when it comes to number of farms (3 054 or 7,6%) and commercial agricultural land (3,7%). After the Western Cape, it is the largest commercial agricultural employer (97 478 or 12,9%) (Stats SA, 2020). The Limpopo province accounts for 9.2% of South Africa’s agricultural production (Sihlobo, 2019)

The Limpopo province is the largest production area for avocados, accounting for 54% of the total production (Subtrop, 2023). Limpopo has 18,8% of the hectares planted with macadamia trees in the country (SAMAC, 2023). Limpopo grows 57% of the country’s Valencia oranges, 55% of its grapefruit, 31% of its lemons, 28% of its navel oranges, and 28% of its mandarins (CGA, 2023). It is also a major producer of mangoes, papayas and tomatoes. It also grows bananas, litchis, pineapples, table grapes, a variety of other nuts, and the area has also been known for tea and coffee plantations.

Chief among this province’s contribution to field crops nationally: grain sorghum (33.1%), dry beans (28.9%), soy beans (3.2%) and sunflower (13.5%) (DALRRD, 2023). Cotton, groundnuts and maize are also produced.

Half of the country’s game farms are in the Limpopo province (DEA, 2018). Limpopo hosts over 24% of the country’s pigs, 17% of its goats and 7% of its cattle (DALRRD, 2023). Fourteen percent of the country’s milk producer-distributors live here (Milk SA, 2023). It also produces 8% of the country’s eggs (SAPA, 2021).

Provincial Department of Agriculture

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

Head of Department: Ms Ramatsimele Jacqueline Maisela

  • Tel: 015 294 3147 / 076 960 7886

Contact details for Directorates are available on the website, as are contact details for agricultural offices at all the municipalities within the districts.

The district municipalities

District/Metropolitan Municipality Website
Capricorn www.cdm.org.za
Mopani www.mopani.gov.za
Sekhukhune District www.sekhukhunedistrict.gov.za
Vhembi www.vhembe.gov.za
Waterberg www.waterberg.gov.za

For more information on the province:

Mpumalamga

Lying in the east of South Africa, the province’s name means “Place of the rising sun”. The land swells to mountain peaks and breath-taking escarpment, and dropping down to the low-lying area known as the Lowveld. The province borders Mozambique and Swaziland.

Mpumalanga accounts for 13.1% of South Africa’s agricultural production (Sihlobo, 2019). The Census of Commercial Agriculture 2017 has Mpumalanga with 2 823 farms (7,0%) and contributing R38,4 billion or 11,6% to agricultural income (Stats SA, 2020).

Mpumalanga produces 25.3% of the country’s soy beans, 37.8% of its grain sorghum and 22% of its maize (DALRRD, 2023). Other major crops include cotton, potatoes and onions. The Lowveld region is renowned for its sugar, citrus and subtropical fruit (bananas, avocados, mangoes). Indeed, Mpumalanga accounts for 22% of South Africa’s avocados (Subtrop, 2023) and 20% of its grapefruit (CGA, 2023). The province has the largest area of hectares in the country planted with macadamia trees (41,9%) (SAMAC, 2023). Litchis, guavas and pineapples are also grown.

Mpumalanga is a major poultry producer: 22.5% of the country’s broilers and 6.7% of its layers come from here (SAPA, 2021). Cattle (10%) and sheep (7%) are included amongst the livestock kept (DALRRD, 2023); 10% of South Africa’s dairy producer-distributors live in Mpumalanga (Milk SA, 2023).

Processing options in Mpumalanga:

In the highveld region:

  • Milling and processing of summer and winter cereals
  • Extraction of edible oils
  • Processing of (1) Maize, (2) Beans (3) deciduous fruit into juices, concentrate, jams and canned fruits

In the lowveld region:

  • Sugar refining
  • Processing of: (1) fruits into fruit juices and concentrates, jams, canning and drying (2) vegetables into canning, freezing, drying
  • Value adding to nuts
  • Production of honey
  • Processing fruits for input in pharmaceutical industry
  • Essential oils from tropical, subtropical and citrus fruits
  • Processing of tropical fruit with exotic recipes
Source: Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency

Provincial Department of Agriculture

Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land & Environmental Affairs

Head of Department: Mr CM Chunda

  • Tel: 013 766 6020

 

The district municipalities

District/Metropolitan Municipality Website
Ehlanzeni www.ehlanzeni.gov.za
Gert Sibande www.gsibande.gov.za
Nkangala www.nkangaladm.gov.za

For more information on the province:

 

North West

With around 20% of the country’s arable land, the North West province is a highly productive agricultural area. It accounts for 10.1% of South Africa’s agricultural production (Sihlobo, 2019). According to the Census of Commercial Agriculture 2017 the North West province has 4 920 farms (12,3%) and accounted for 11,5% of the country’s commercial agricultural land. It contributes R39,7 billion (11,9%) to the country’s total agricultural income and 57 758 (7,6%) of South Africa’s commercial agriculture employees (Stats SA, 2020).

The province contributes the following to the national production: maize (16.7%), groundnuts (38%), sunflower (28%), dry beans (16.2%) and grain sorghum (10%) (DALRRD, 2023). Other crops include soy beans, grain sorghum, tobacco, paprika, peppers, cotton and wheat. The province is also a significant vegetable and citrus fruit producer.

The North West province is a major player in the poultry sector: 25.1% of the country’s broilers and 11.3% of its layers are situated here (SAPA, 2021). It hosts 20% of its pigs, 13% of the country’s cattle and over 12% of its goats (DALRRD, 2023). Around 7% of the country’s milk producers and 7% of its dairy processors live in this province (MPO, 2023; Milk SA, 2023). It also hosts 12% of South Africa’s commercial pork producers (SAPPO, 2019).

The areas around Rustenburg and Brits are fertile mixed-crop farming land. The eastern, wetter part of the province sees a mixture of livestock and crop farming, while the semi-arid central and western part is home mainly to livestock and wildlife farming. Three major irrigation schemes are located on the Crocodile, Vaal and Harts Rivers.

Provincial Department of Agriculture

North West Department of Rural, Environment and Agricultural Development (READ)
  • Tel: 018 389 5111 / 5719 / 5800
  • Physical: Agricentre Building, Corner Dr James Moroka Drive and Stadium Road (Opposite Convention Centre), Mafikeng
  • Website: http://dard.nwpg.gov.za [website not working – 11 July 2023] and www.facebook.com/nwpgdard/

Head Of The Department: Mr Thupi Zacharia Mokhatla

  • Tel: 018 389 5953

Other contacts:

  • Agricultural Support Services – 018 389 5724
  • Veterinary Services – 018 389 5102 / 5057
  • Agricultural Economic Services – 018 389 5872
  • Rural Development – 018 389 5157
  • Agricultural Producer Support And Development Tel: 018 389 5620
  • Agricultural Support Services Tel: 018 389 5724
  • Sustainable Resource Use And Management Tel: 018 389 5333/ 5405/ 5985
  • Agricultural Extension Services Tel: 018 389 5971
  • Structural Agricultural Education And Training Tel: 018 389 5740

 

The district municipalities

District/Metropolitan Municipality Contact and website
Bojanala 014 592 8261/2 (agriculture)

http://bojanala.gov.za
Dr Kenneth Kaunda 018 299 6504 (agriculture)

www.kaundadistrict.gov.za
Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati 053 299 6500 (agriculture)

https://drrsmdm.gov.za
Ngaka Modiri Molema 018 389 5943 (agriculture)

www.nmmdm.gov.za

For more information on the province:

Northern Cape

The Northern Cape is the country’s largest and most sparsely populated province, averaging two people in every square kilometre. The Orange River runs through the province, and a healthy agricultural industry follows it to the sea, the Atlantic Ocean forming the western boundary of the province. Apart from the high-lying parts in the south and south-east, the landscape of the province is characterised by vast, arid plains with outcrops of haphazard rock piles.

The Vaalharts Irrigation Scheme covers 369.50 square kilometres in this province.

The Northern Cape accounts 6.4% of South Africa’s agricultural production (Sihlobo, 2019). It produces 9.3% of the country’s groundnuts, 14.5% of its barley and 15.5% of its wheat (DALRRD, 2023). The Northern Cape accounts for 90% of South Africa’s raisin production (USDA, 2021), and the table grape industry is an important sector. It also grows 6% of the country’s grapefruit (CGA, 2023).

The economy of a large part of the Northern Cape depends on sheep farming, and the province has nearly a quarter (24%) of the country’s sheep (DALRRD, 2023). It is second to Limpopo in game farming (DEA, 2018). The other main livestock are goats (9%) and cattle (3%) (DALRRD, 2023). A large number of its farms meet export requirements, and the commercialisation of goats is seen as holding much promise for emerging farmers.  According to the Census of Commercial Agriculture 2017, the province has 12% of the country’s commercial farms (4 829 farms) and accounts for the largest share of the country’s commercial agricultural land (37,1%) (Stats SA, 2020).

The Northern Cape holds the most promise for renewable energy projects. We wonder if farmers in this sun-drenched province will be allowed to farm energy as well in the future …

Provincial Department of Agriculture

Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Land Reform and Rural Development

Head of the Department: Ms Moira Marais

Koopmansfontein Research Station: 087 630 0230
Carnavon Research Station: 021 506 7300/1024

 

The district municipalities

District/Metropolitan Municipality Contact and website
Frances Baard 087 630 0300/1

http://francesbaard.gov.za
John Taolo Gaetsewe 087 630 0299 (Mothibistad)
087 630 0352 (Seoding)http://taologaetsewe.gov.za
Namakwa 087 630 0329

www.namakwa-dm.gov.za
Pixley Ka Seme 087 630 0360

https://www.pksdm.gov.za
ZF Mgcawu (Siyanda) 087 630 0305

www.zfm-dm.co.za

For more information on the province:

 

Some articles:

Western Cape

The Western Cape has three climatic regions. The Cape Peninsula and the Boland further inland is a winter rainfall region with sunny, dry summers. Towards George, along the south coast, the climate gradually changes to year-round rainfall, while inland, towards the more arid Great Karoo, the climate changes to summer rainfall.

Ideal conditions for the cultivation of top-grade fruit, such as apples, table grapes, olives, peaches, mandarins, lemons and oranges exist in the sheltered valleys amongst the mountains. Wines from this province are known all over the world. In the eastern part of the Western Cape, a great variety of vegetables is cultivated.

The Western Cape has 15% of the country’s arable land. Almost all the country’s canola, and most of its barley (75.8%) and wheat (43.9%) are grown here (DALRRD, 2023).

Ostriches provide meat, leather and feathers. The province is the outlet for the exporting of horses from the country, earning valuable foreign exchange. The inland Karoo region (around Beaufort West) and the Overberg district (around Bredasdorp) produce wool and mutton. The Western Cape is also one of the top pork producers. The province has 12% of the country’s sheep and just under 11% of its pigs (DALRRD, 2023). The highest number of milk producers in the country (34%) live here, responsible for 29,3% of South Africa’s milk production (MPO, 2023); and 26% of milk processors are found in the Western Cape (Milk SA, 2023). The Western- and Northern Cape together make for 15.4% of South Africa’s layers and 13.7% of its broilers (SAPA, 2021).

At 23.1%, the Western Cape accounts for the largest slice of South Africa’s agricultural production (Sihlobo, 2019). The Census of Commercial Agriculture 2017 has the province contributing the most to total agricultural income (R64,3 billion or 19,3%) and being by far the largest commercial agriculture employer (186 997 employees or 24,7% of the national total). After the Free State, the province has the most commercial farms, 6 937 (71,3%) (Stats SA, 2020).

Introduction To Agriculture Western Cape, South Africa (Western Cape Department of Agriculture, 2016)

Provincial Department of Agriculture

Department of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism

Head of department: Dr Mogale Sebopetsa

  • Tel: 021 808 5005

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture delivers a broad range of services through seven programmes (some of these are split into further sub-programmes):

  • Agricultural Economics Services – 021 808 5213
  • Agricultural Producer Support and Development – 021 808 5310
  • Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute – 021 808 5451
  • Research and Technology Development Services – 021 808 7723
  • Rural Development – 021 808 5015
  • Sustainable Resource Use and Management – 021 808 5009
  • Veterinary Services

Read about these programmes, the Specialised Services, and Grants and Financial Aid on the website.

The district municipalities

District/Metropolitan Municipality Website
Cape Winelands District https://capewinelands.gov.za
Central Karoo District www.skdm.co.za
Garden Route District www.gardenroute.gov.za
Overberg District https://odm.org.za
West Coast District http://westcoastdm.co.za
Cape Metropole District www.westerncape.gov.za

The Western Cape Department of Agriculture has the Alternative Crops Fund (ACF) – R3 million per annum – to boost exports and bolster land reform. Alternative, smaller crops include cherries, berries, fynbos, honeybush and pomegranates, to name but a few. These crops have high market value and are export-orientated. Alternative crops are mostly water smart and would therefore be preferred crops against the current, and most probable, dryer and even continued drought conditions in the Western Cape and the rest of South Africa. Promoting alternative crops is also one of the proposed actions of the SmartAgri plan.

Members of the Executive Council (MECs)

Province and MEC Contact details
Eastern Cape – Ms Nonkqubela Pieters Tel: 040 602 5000/6/7
Free State – Mr Saki Mokoena Tel: 051 861 8432/01
Gauteng – Ms Mbali Hlophe Tel: 011 355 1432 / 1900
KwaZulu-Natal – Mr BM Zuma Tel: 031 343 8240
Limpopo – Mr Thabo Mokone Tel: 015 295 7023
Mpumalanga – Ms Busisiwe Paulina Shiba Tel: 013 766 5607
North West – Ms Desbo Mohono Tel: 018 389 5056
Northern Cape – Ms Nomandla Bloem Tel: 053 838 9100/6

Western Cape – Dr Ivan Meyer

 Tel: 021 483 4700

MinMEC is a forum made up from the MECs of agriculture in the nine provinces. It meets four times a year.

 

 

Websites and publications

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