AGRICULTURE: FACTS & TRENDS South Africa

3y ago
21 Views
2 Downloads
2.22 MB
32 Pages
Last View : 11d ago
Last Download : 2m ago
Upload by : Kian Swinton
Transcription

AGRICULTURE: FACTS & TRENDSSouth Africa1

FOREWORDThis report provides a snapshot of the overwhelming evidencethat we need better environmental practices if we want to ensureongoing productive agricultural systems and food security inSouth Africa. It also serves to underpin WWF’s drive to promotethe protection of natural ecosystems, which produce the criticalgoods and services that underpin agricultural practices in thecountry. We have not attempted to specify every issue, but ratheraimed to provide a broad view of the negative impacts of agri cultural development that is focused on maximum productivityby exploiting natural resources while disregarding the complexhidden costs – financial and otherwise – of food production.It also highlights some of the best-practice solutions we need tofollow if we want to meet our growing demand for food and fibre– one of the key challenges of the 21st century.The information has been compiled from diverse and reliablesources to construct a vivid picture of the state of our agricul tural resources. It is intended to stimulate debate and catalysecollaboration throughout the agricultural value chain.Dr Morné du Plessis, CEO WWF-SAAgriculture has done more to reshapethe natural world than anything elsewe humans do, both its landscapes andits fauna and flora. Our eating alsoconstitutes a relationship with dozensof other species - plants, animals andfungi - with which we have co-evolvedto the point where our fates are deeplyintertwined.Michael Pollan, The Omnivore’s Dilemma

CONTENTSThe Context O2Economics 18Land & Soil 06Water 10 Biodiversity & Ecosystems 14Social Considerations 22References 26 Appendix 27Conclusion: Living Farms of the Future 24

Agriculture is the foundation of developing economies. As one of these economies, South Africa needsto ensure a healthy agricultural industry that contributes to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP),food security, social welfare, job creation and ecotourism, while adding value to raw materials. But thehealth of the agricultural sector depends on the sustainability of farming methods. Farming practicesmust therefore not only protect the long-term productivity of the land, but must also ensure profitableyields and the well-being of farmers and farm workers.THE CONTEXTSouth Africa’s agricultural regionsSouth Africa is a rich and diverse country. It has a vibrant culturaldiversity and a spectacular range of vegetation types, biodiversity,climates and soil types. The country can be divided into distinctfarming regions, and farming activ ities range from intensive cropproduction in winter rainfall and high summer rainfall areas, tocattle ranching in the bushveld and sheep farming in the morearid regions.Climate-soil combinations leave only 12% of the country suitablefor the production of rain-fed crops. With only 3% considered trulyfertile land, South Africa falls short of other countries, such as In dia, where arable land covers 53% of the country. Most of SouthAfrica’s land surface (69%) is suitable for grazing, and livestockfarming is by far the largest agricultural sector in the country.Agricultural regions of South AfricaSource: FAO Corporate Document RepositorySustainable farming is about meeting the needs of South Africans today and in the future. The recent globalrise in food prices and repeated reports about social unrest in a large number of countries reveal the strategicand basic importance of the agricultural sector for social and economic stability.2

Increasing need and changing food consumptionSouth Africa’s population is growing at almost 2% per year. Thepopulation of 49 million in 2009 is expected to grow to 82 mill ion by the year 2035. Food production or imports must more thandouble to feed the expanding population, and production needs toincrease using the same or fewer natural resources. In addition, thedemand for certain food types will shift as more people becomewealthier.South Africans have already shown interesting changes in foodconsumption since the 1970s. Thanks to increased wealth andpost-apartheid reforms, the country’s middle class has increasedby 30% between 2001 and 2004. This has allowed a shift fromstaple grain crops to a more diverse diet. South Africans haveshown a decrease in the consumption of the staples maize andbread, and have massively increased their annual consumptionof chicken from 6 kg to 27 kg per person. Per capita egg con sumption has also doubled. Interestingly, the per capita consump tion of fruit and vegetables has remained constant, while beef,mutton, pork and milk consumption has declined (Agricultural Stat istics, 2008).Production vs Demand6 000154 000102 0005Production (1 000 t)South African wheat3 5003 0002 5002 0001 5001 000500Production (1 000 t)Consumption (1 000 3Deciduous fruit and citrus: South Africa is well known for thehigh Productionquality of(1 itsfruit andcitrus,overof (1which000deciduoust)Consumption(1 000t)Area halfplanted000 ha)isexported. The volume of these agricultural exports has increaseddramatically over the past 20 years, generating foreign exchangeand profits for local farmers.Area planted (1 000 ha)4 6197319700Consumption (1 000 t)Source data: Agricultural Statistics, 2008South African maizeRed16 000meat, chicken and dairy: South African red meat pro duction14 000 has kept up with consumption, although there has beensomeexport of higher-grade meat and import of lower grades.12 000Local poultry production has increased significantly over the last 2010 000years, but has not been able to meet the massive increase in local8 000demand for white meat, and chicken is now one of South Africa’s6 000largest agricultural imports. South African milk production has been4 000relativelyconstant, although imports of dairy products have exceed 2 000edexports since 2000.19941976020062020038 000200025199710 000199130198812 000198535198214 0001979401973While annual national maize production in South Africa fluct uateswidely according to rainfall, average production has remained con stant over time. This is a concern, as consumption has increased withthe growing population and maize production may soon not meetlocal demand, affecting both local and regional supply. Like maize,wheat production also fluctuates and again average production hasremained constant while consumption has increased dramaticallyover time. In recent years, wheat imports have increased massivelyto meet local demand.South African maize16 0001970Maize and wheat: The shift to the consumption of chicken andeggs is a less efficient use of South Africa’s maize than direct humanconsumption. About half of South Africa’s maize is used for animalfeed, and about 70% of the feed is used for poultry. Nevertheless,the conversion of maize to chicken is more efficient than the conver sion of maize to feedlot beef (exclusively range-fed beef has noimpact on South Africa’s maize supplies).Area planted (1 000 ha)Source data: Agricultural Statistics, 20083

Water availability is the single most important factor that limits agricultural production in South Africa.Furthermore, the situation is likely to become dire due to rapidly increasing demand from other sectors of theeconomy and climate change.Shifting trend towards intensifiedagricultureDeclining farming profitability and water scarcity (drought, declin ing rainfall or over-demand for water) has left South Africa with lessthan two-thirds of the number of farms it had in the early 1990s. Inmany instances the lost farms have been changed to other landuses, or consolidated into larger farming units to achieve effectiveeconomies of scale. Although the area under maize, wheat anddairy (5% of the national herd) has decreased significantly overthe last 20 years (Agricultural Statistics, 2008), production remainsrelatively constant, indicating an increasing trend in inten sified pro duction.The remaining farms have generally increased their irrigation, fuel,fertiliser, mechanisation and genetically modified seed inputs. Inmany cases, advisory services provided by fertiliser companiesand agribusinesses have entered the vacuum of the underresourcedgovernment extension service. These corporate companies providetheir own extension staff and build relationships with farmers, whichcan create a dependence on the products they promote and sell.Poorly managed intensive farming has many negative impacts onthe natural environment, on people’s well-being and on a farmer’sability to adapt to change. A dependence and overuse of syntheticfertilisers, pesticides and herbicides reduces long-term soil fertility,causes soil erosion, pollutes water supplies, poisons fragile ecosys tems, exposes farmers and farm workers to toxins, and contributesto climate change through greenhouse gas emissions.If we can reduce food loss and wastage, we won’t need to produce so much more. A lot of food is lost between the farmers’field and the dinner table – in food storage, transport, foodprocessing, retail and in our kitchens.Input costs required for intensive farming are increasing. These costsare also subject to changes in the oil price, the price of raw ma terials and exchange rate fluctuations, leaving the farmer with littlecontrol over his/her affairs.The cumulative impact of these factors degrades farmlandsand their vital catchment areas. As a result, the long-term pro ductivity declines and these areas become more vulnerableto climate change. Intensified agri culture often also means in creased mechanisation, which in turn means fewer jobs onfarms. This affects the country’s social well-being. The move to wards genetically modified (GM) crops that depend on herbi cides and fertilisers make farmers increasingly reliant on profitorientated companies. Use of genetically modified crops andcertain pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers may also isolate SouthAfrica from lucrative export markets. Relying on single-variety cropsis also risky. If these crops fail to perform, it will have a significantimpact on national production.Consumers throw away more than a third of thefood they have paid for and taken home.(Lundqvist et al., 2008)In 2007, fertiliser imported fromChina and used on Eastern Capepineapple farms was found to contain toxic levels of cadmium, arsenicand lead, and resulted in an exportban by the EU. As a result, pineapplefarmers lost a fortune and importantEU markets were jeopardised.4An exciting new trendThe organic (chemical free) industry is the fastest-growing industry segment worldwide. World organic food sales jumped from 23 billion in 2002 to 52 billion in2008 (Datamonitor, 2009).

It’s tough out thereBeing a conventional farmer in South Africa is one of thetoughest jobs around.Here are some of the challenges faced daily: Rising input costs and dependence on external factors that the farmer cannotcontrol, such as the oil price and the exchange rate Finite natural resources (looming water scarcity, increasing loss of soil) Lack of subsidies and extension support, for established commercial farmersand for emerging/developing black farmers Very little market predictability, and non-tariff trade barriers in importingcountries Increasing competition from cheap, subsidised imports Exposure to toxic chemicals High murder rate and increasing tenure insecurity Predicted negative long-term changes in the climate Decline in the health and functioning of our supporting and underpinningnatural systems.An emerging trend – sustaining living farmsSouth Africa requires a more sustainable approach, or the welfareof our nation – both current and future generations – is at risk. Mis managed agricultural industrialisation and inten sification could com promise food safety and increase un employment and environmentaldegradation.In contrast, sustainable agricultural practices aim to:DD Change the way land and water resources aremanaged, so that their long-term productivity is optimised andsustainedDD Contribute to the economic and social well-being of allDD Ensure a safe and high-quality supply of agriculturalproductsDD Safeguard the livelihood and well-being of farmers, farmworkers and their familiesDD Maintain healthy, functioning agricultural ecosystems rich inbiodiversityDD Mitigate and adapt to climate change.The benefits of sustainable farming should be:DD Reduced or predictable input costsDD Stabilised yieldsDD Reduced environmental pollutionDD Reduced exposure to toxinsDD Increased water use efficiencyDD Living soils – increased soil fertility and/or nutrient-holdingcapacityDD Reduced soil erosionDD Carbon sequestration (mitigating climate change)DD Enhanced, robust natural systems protecting biodiversity andecosystem services.South Africa has a history of change, and is a country that adaptswell to social and political changes. Once again we need to drawon our common strengths and our commitment to mobilise our re sources and change for the better. We need to realise that all SouthAfricans are affected by the health of our agricultural sector. Sus tainable solutions will require collaboration between government,industry, producers and the scientific and conservation community.‘The whole of creation depends upon the soil, which is the ultimate foundation of our existence.’Friederich A Fallow5

South Africa has limited fertile land and the majority of crop farmers need to increase the fertility oftheir soils to achieve good crop yields. Farmers in the fertile areas also need to maintain the fertilityof their soils, as frequent cropping depletes the soil of nutrients. How farmers improve or maintain soilfertility is central to the sustainability of their operation.LAND & SOILLegendSetting the sceneHigh and moderateLow and marginalNot suited for cultivationChanging landmanagement practicesSince ancient times, organic fertilisers (manure, urea, plant matter,bones, shells, lime) have bee

China and used on Eastern Cape pineapple farms was found to con-tain toxic levels of cadmium, arsenic and lead, and resulted in an export ban by the EU. As a result, pineapple farmers lost a fortune and important EU markets were jeopardised.

Related Documents:

Johannesburg, South Africa Auckland Park Theological Seminary Polokwane, South Africa Taberna Dei Academy Kempton Park, South Africa Kaleideo Congregation Centurion, South Africa AFM of South Africa Witrivier, South Africa Africa School of Missions Irene, South Africa Full Gospel Church of God College Cullinan, South Africa Berea Bible School

The following Fact Fluency Card labels are included in this pack: 1. Plus One Facts 2. Plus Two Facts 3. Plus Three Facts 4. Minus One Facts 5. Minus Two Facts 6. Minus Three Facts 7. Facts of Five 8. Doubles Facts (Addition) 9. Doubles Facts (Subtraction) 10. Near Doubles Facts (e.g. 6 7 6 6 1 12 1 13) 11. Facts of Ten: Addition 12.

doubles-plus-one facts, doubles-plus-two facts, plus-ten facts, plus-nine facts, and then any remaining facts. For multiplication, the suggested sequence is the times-zero principle, times-one principle, times-two and two-times facts, times-five and five-times facts, times-nine and nine-times facts, perfect squares, and then any remaining facts .

Math Bee Practice . 1st Round Mixed Multiplication and Division Facts 2 seconds. Multiplication Facts 6 x 6 _ Multiplication Facts 6 x 6 36. Multiplication Facts 32 8 _ Multiplication Facts 32 8 4. Multiplication Facts 7 x 6 _ Multiplication Facts 7 x 6 42. Multiplication Facts 56 7 _

themes have emerged: Lead and develop Attract and engage Transform and reinvent Welcome Werner Nieuwoudt Human Capital Leader Deloitte South Africa. Human Capital Trends 2014 South Africa 3 South African respondents recognised the following top five trends in terms of the importance index : Leadership (77%), Retention and Engagement (71%), Diversity and Inclusion (70%), Workforce .

Stats SA Library Cataloguing-in-Publication (CIP) Data CHILD POVERTY IN SOUTH AFRICA: A Multiple Overlapping Deprivation Analysis / Statistics South Africa. Pretoria: Statistics South Africa, 2020

The African Consumer and Retail White Goods in Africa Insurance in Africa Agriculture in Africa Power in Africa Construction in Africa . this regard, already having a notable presence in a number of SSA countries. International retailers are also looking to expand into Africa, most notably

management in Africa 3. Community involvement in natural resources management in Africa – regional overviews 3.1 Introduction: Different understandings of, and approaches to, CBNRM in different regions 3.2 Central Africa 3.3 East Africa 3.4 Southern Africa 3.5 West Africa 3.6 Summary 4. What has CBNRM achieved in Africa? The ‘3Es .