South Africa Agriculture Market is Segmented by Commodity Type (Cereals and Grains, Pulses and Oilseeds, and More). The Report Includes Production Analysis (Volume), Consumption Analysis (Value and Volume), Import Analysis (Value and Volume), Export Analysis (Value and Volume), and Price Trend Analysis. The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD) and Volume (Metric Tons).

Côte d'Ivoire had the largest share of agricultural land area in Africa in 2022. That year, the agricultural land area corresponded to around 84 percent of the country's area. Burundi, Rwanda, Lesotho, and South Africa followed, with agricultural activities accounting for roughly 82.8, 81.3, 80.1, and 79.4 percent of the total area, respectively. In contrast, the lowest percentages were registered in Seychelles (3.4 percent), Equatorial Guinea (3.7 percent), and Egypt (4.1 percent).

In 2023, the agriculture, forestry, and fishing industry in South Africa contributed an added value of nearly ***** billion South African Rand (roughly **** billion U.S. dollars) to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This presents an decrease from the previous year, when it reached approximately ***** billion Rand (around **** billion U.S. dollars).

As of 2023, Niger registered the agricultural sector's highest contribution to the GDP in Africa, at over ** percent. Comoros and Ethiopia followed, with agriculture, forestry, and fishing accounting for approximately ** percent and ** percent of the GDP, respectively. On the other hand, Botswana, Djibouti, Libya, Zambia, and South Africa were the African countries with the lowest percentage of the GDP generated by the agricultural sector. Agriculture remains a pillar of Africa’s economy Despite the significant variations across countries, agriculture is a key sector in Africa. In 2022, it represented around ** percent of Sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP, growing by over *** percentage points compared to 2011. The agricultural industry also strongly contributes to the continent’s job market. The number of people employed in the primary sector in Africa grew from around *** million in 2011 to *** million in 2021. In proportion, agriculture employed approximately ** percent of Africa’s working population in 2021. Agricultural activities attracted a large share of the labor force in Central, East, and West Africa, which registered percentages over the regional average. On the other hand, North Africa recorded the lowest share of employment in agriculture, as the regional economy relies significantly on the industrial and service sectors. Cereals are among the most produced crops Sudan and South Africa are the African countries with the largest agricultural areas. Respectively, they devote around *** million and **** million hectares of land to growing crops. Agricultural production varies significantly across African countries in terms of products and volume. Cereals such as rice, corn, and wheat are among the main crops on the continent, also representing a staple in most countries. The leading cereal producers are Ethiopia, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa. Together, they recorded a cereal output of almost *** million metric tons in 2021. Additionally, rice production was concentrated in Nigeria, Egypt, Madagascar, and Tanzania.

The South Africa Agricultural Machinery Market is Segmented by Type (Tractors, Plowing and Cultivating Machinery, Planting Machinery, Harvesting Machinery, Haying and Forage Machinery, and Irrigation Machinery). The Market Forecasts are Provided in Terms of Value (USD).

South Africa agriculture market is valued at USD 17.3 billion, driven by food demand, tech advancements, and exports of USD 13.7 billion, with growth in crop and livestock segments.

GDP from Agriculture in South Africa increased to 140024.26 ZAR Million in the third quarter of 2025 from 138524.26 ZAR Million in the second quarter of 2025. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - South Africa Gdp From Agriculture - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

The South Africa Agricultural Machinery Market size was valued at USD 0.86 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.28 Million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.90 % during the forecasts periods. Recent developments include: In November 2022, Kubota set up a supply chain to sell Africa low-cost tractors produced in India that take advantage of India's low material and labor costs, wherein, instead of exporting from Japan, Kubota will have an Indian subsidiary ship compact models to the small-scale farms that dominate Africa's agricultural sector, including South Africa., In June 2022, agricultural vehicle supplier Argo Tractors South Africa (Argo SA) expanded its office in Kempton Park, South Africa, which possesses a semi-knocked down (SKD) assembly area between 12 and 16 bays that can produce 2,000 units a year., In June 2022, John Deere launched X9 Series Combine, which provides ultra-efficient crop feeding with up to 25% less grain loss and has high-capacity feeding, accounting for the most significant grain-handling combine harvester in South Africa.. Key drivers for this market are: Threat of Water Scarcity, Favorable Government Policies and Subsidies. Potential restraints include: High Initial Capital Investments. Notable trends are: Growing Grain Industry.

Actual value and historical data chart for South Africa Employment In Agriculture Percent Of Total Employment

South Africa Digital Agriculture Platforms Market is valued at USD 1.1 billion, driven by precision agriculture, smart irrigation, and government initiatives for digital transformation.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, approximately 243,000 South Africans residing in the Western Cape were working in the agriculture industry, marking a year-on-year change increase of 11,000 people being employed. The KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo provinces revealed high numbers of people being employed within the industry as well, at 153,000 and 129,000, respectively.

Explore the dynamic South African agrochemical market, projected to reach $1.27 billion with a 3.90% CAGR. Discover key drivers, emerging trends like sustainable agriculture, and market restraints impacting this vital sector. Key drivers for this market are: Adoption of Organic and Eco-friendly Farming Practices, Declining Area of Arable Land and Rising Food Security Concerns. Potential restraints include: High Demand for Conventional and Synthetic Products, Lack of Awareness and Other Factors Limiting the Adoption of Agricultural Inoculants. Notable trends are: Increasing Adoption of Bio-based Agrochemicals.

The South African alfalfa hay market, valued at $336.86 million in 2025, exhibits robust growth potential, projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.60% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key factors. The increasing demand for high-quality animal feed, particularly within the dairy and equine sectors, is a significant driver. South Africa's expanding livestock population and the rising adoption of intensive farming practices contribute to this increased demand. Furthermore, the government's initiatives promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improved livestock management further bolster market growth. While data on specific regional breakdowns is unavailable, it's reasonable to assume that regions with concentrated livestock farming activities will demonstrate higher market penetration. Challenges, however, include fluctuating weather patterns impacting hay yields and the potential price volatility of alfalfa hay due to global market influences and supply chain disruptions. Companies such as Hulmac Trading SA Pty Ltd, Cherangani Trade And Invest 102 (Pty) Ltd, and others play a crucial role in supplying this growing market, competing primarily on price, quality, and distribution networks. The market's segmentation, while not explicitly detailed, likely reflects variations in alfalfa hay quality (e.g., based on cutting, drying methods), packaging options, and distribution channels (wholesale vs. retail). Future growth hinges on consistent supply chain optimization, investment in advanced farming technologies to increase yields, and the exploration of value-added products derived from alfalfa hay. The market's overall trajectory suggests considerable opportunities for both established players and new entrants seeking to capitalize on South Africa's agricultural expansion and evolving animal feed requirements. Successful strategies will involve adapting to environmental challenges, leveraging technology, and catering to the specific needs of diverse customer segments within the livestock industry. Key drivers for this market are: Seed Treatment As A Solution To Enhance Yield, Growing Awareness For Seed Treatment Among The Farmers; Rising Trend Of Organic Farming. Potential restraints include: Limitations Across Farm-Level Seed Treatment, Rising Environmental Concerns. Notable trends are: High Meat Consumption is Boosting Demand for Quality Hay.

South Africa Agriculture Tools Market is expected to grow during 2025-2031

The African robotics and mechatronics for agriculture market, while currently nascent, exhibits significant growth potential driven by the continent's expanding agricultural sector and increasing need for improved efficiency and productivity. A compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.20% from 2019 to 2024 suggests a steadily increasing market size. The market is segmented by application (animal farming, crop production, forest control, and others) and type (autonomous tractors, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), agrochemical application, robotic milking, and others). South Africa currently dominates the regional market share within Africa, but considerable untapped potential exists in the "Rest of Africa" segment. Key market drivers include labor shortages, the need for precision agriculture to optimize resource use, and government initiatives promoting technological advancements in farming. Trends such as increased investment in agricultural technology startups and the adoption of precision farming techniques are fueling market growth. However, factors such as high initial investment costs for robotic systems, limited access to technology and infrastructure in some regions, and a lack of skilled labor to operate and maintain these technologies pose significant restraints. The market is expected to witness accelerated growth in the forecast period (2025-2033), with autonomous tractors and UAVs likely leading the technological adoption due to their versatility and demonstrable returns on investment in larger farming operations. The increasing availability of affordable financing options and training programs aimed at farmers could further mitigate the challenges and unlock substantial market expansion across diverse agricultural applications within Africa. The projected market size of the African robotics and mechatronics in agriculture market in 2025 is estimated to be between $500 million and $700 million, based on the provided CAGR and current market trends in other developing regions. This estimation takes into account the significant untapped potential in Africa and the growing adoption of technology in the agricultural sector. This figure is expected to increase substantially over the forecast period (2025-2033), driven by the factors discussed above. While precise figures for individual segments are unavailable, a reasonable assumption suggests that crop production will constitute the largest application segment, followed by animal farming, given the importance of these sectors to the African economy. Within the type segment, autonomous tractors and UAVs are anticipated to capture the largest market share due to their wide applicability across different farming operations and their proven benefits in enhancing efficiency and productivity. Notable trends are: Increased Adoption of Technology in Farming.

The South African tractor market, valued at approximately $118 million in 2025, is projected to experience robust growth, driven by increasing agricultural mechanization needs and government initiatives promoting agricultural modernization. A Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6.1% from 2025 to 2033 suggests a significant expansion in market size over the forecast period. This growth is fueled by several factors. Firstly, the rising demand for efficient farming practices, especially amongst larger commercial farms, is pushing the adoption of advanced tractors with higher horsepower. Secondly, government support programs aimed at boosting agricultural productivity are stimulating investments in agricultural machinery. Finally, favorable financing options and improved access to credit are making tractor ownership more accessible to farmers. However, the market also faces challenges. Fluctuating commodity prices, water scarcity in certain regions, and the relatively high cost of tractors can restrict market expansion, particularly amongst smallholder farmers. The market is segmented by engine power (less than 35 HP, 35-50 HP, 51-75 HP, 76-100 HP, and above 100 HP), with the higher horsepower segments likely to demonstrate faster growth due to the preference for larger-scale operations. Competition is intense, with both international and domestic players vying for market share. Major players like AGCO, CNH Industrial, Deere & Company, and Mahindra & Mahindra are likely to continue to dominate, but local manufacturers and distributors will also play a significant role in meeting the diverse needs of the South African agricultural sector. The South African tractor market presents lucrative opportunities for companies with strong distribution networks and the ability to provide tailored solutions to diverse customer segments. Growth within the higher horsepower categories indicates a shift towards larger-scale commercial farming. However, focusing on affordability and accessibility for smallholder farmers could open up substantial untapped market potential. Companies investing in after-sales service, parts availability, and farmer training programs will be better positioned to capture market share. Further analysis considering specific regional variations within South Africa (e.g., differences in farming practices and infrastructure) would provide even greater granularity to understand future market trends. Addressing challenges like financing limitations and reliance on weather patterns will be crucial for sustained long-term growth. Recent developments include: June 2022: Agricultural vehicle supplier Argo Tractors South Africa inaugurated its new head office in South Africa. The new premise was built at the cost of USD 5. 88 million, hosts a 6000 square meter building, including office space, a 650 square meter showroom, a 100 square meter training facility, 2300 square meters dedicated to assembly, and 2000 square meters designated for spares., August 2022: Deere & Company invested in Hello Tractor, an ag-tech company based in Nairobi, Kenya. The company links tractor owners with smallholder farmers in Africa and Asia through a farm equipment-sharing app. It helps farmers to track and manage their fleets, schedule customers, and access financing options., November 2021: Mahindra South Africa (SA) launched a new range of tractors and farm equipment in the domestic market. The range included products from Sampo Rosenlew, of Finland, Mitsubishi Mahindra Agri Machinery of Japan, and Hisarlar and Erkunt equipment from Turkey. Together with the Mahindra EarthMaster Yellow Metal and Mahindra Powerol Generators, the company offered these products as a 'World of Solutions' to the South African farmer.. Notable trends are: Increasing Focus on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization.

In South Africa Connected Agriculture Market is projected to grow from USD 2.9 billion in 2025 to USD 9.87 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 22.8%

South Africa ZA: Unit Labour Costs: Employment Based: Annual Growth: Non Agriculture Business Sector excluding Real Estate data was reported at 3.610 % in 2022. This records a decrease from the previous number of 4.120 % for 2021. South Africa ZA: Unit Labour Costs: Employment Based: Annual Growth: Non Agriculture Business Sector excluding Real Estate data is updated yearly, averaging 6.045 % from Dec 2009 (Median) to 2022, with 14 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8.460 % in 2009 and a record low of 2.140 % in 2018. South Africa ZA: Unit Labour Costs: Employment Based: Annual Growth: Non Agriculture Business Sector excluding Real Estate data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.OECD.PDB: Unit Labour Costs: by Industry: Non OECD Member: Annual.

The Credit to Agriculture dataset provides national data for over 130 countries on the amount of loans provided by the private/commercial banking sector to producers in agriculture, forestry and fishing, including household producers, cooperatives, and agro-businesses. For some countries, the three subsectors of agriculture, forestry, and fishing are completely specified. In other cases, complete disaggregations are not available. The dataset also provides statistics on the total credit to all industries, indicators on the share of credit to agricultural producers, and an agriculture orientation index (AOI) for credit that normalizes the share of credit to agriculture over total credit by dividing it by the share of agriculture in gross domestic product (GDP). As such, it can provide a more accurate indication of the relative importance that banking sectors place on financing the sector. An AOI lower than 1 indicates that the agriculture sector receives a credit share lower than its contribution to the economy, while an AOI greater than 1 indicates a credit share to the agriculture sector greater than its economic contribution.

The data included in Data360 is a subset of the data available from the source. Please refer to the source for complete data and methodology details.

This collection includes only a subset of indicators from the source dataset.

South Africa ZA: Employment In Agriculture: Modeled ILO Estimate: % of Total Employment data was reported at 5.553 % in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 5.584 % for 2016. South Africa ZA: Employment In Agriculture: Modeled ILO Estimate: % of Total Employment data is updated yearly, averaging 9.150 % from Dec 1991 (Median) to 2017, with 27 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 18.668 % in 1995 and a record low of 4.600 % in 2011. South Africa ZA: Employment In Agriculture: Modeled ILO Estimate: % of Total Employment data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s South Africa – Table ZA.World Bank.WDI: Employment and Unemployment. Employment is defined as persons of working age who were engaged in any activity to produce goods or provide services for pay or profit, whether at work during the reference period or not at work due to temporary absence from a job, or to working-time arrangement. The agriculture sector consists of activities in agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing, in accordance with division 1 (ISIC 2) or categories A-B (ISIC 3) or category A (ISIC 4).; ; International Labour Organization, ILOSTAT database. Data retrieved in September 2018.; Weighted average; Data up to 2016 are estimates while data from 2017 are projections.