Farmers across South Africa and Africa are facing increasing pressure from unpredictable weather, droughts, floods, rising input costs, water shortages, changing market conditions, pests and diseases, labour challenges and growing demand for food. At the same time, technology is creating new opportunities for farmers to become more productive, make better decisions and connect with markets,...

Farming in South Africa is more than a business — it’s a calling. From maize fields in the Free State to citrus orchards in Limpopo, farmers feed the nation and sustain rural livelihoods. Yet, starting or expanding a farm can feel overwhelming. This guide helps farmers — both new and experienced — understand how to get land, build a sustainable enterprise, and grow...

SEO Title: Farming in South Africa: Using New Technology Without Replacing FarmersMeta Description: Discover how AI, drones, smart irrigation, sensors, satellite data and digital platforms can help South African farmers increase productivity while keeping people at the centre of agriculture.Suggested URL Slug: farming-in-south-africa-new-technologyPrimary Keyword: farming in South...

South African agriculture is bigger and more diverse than the often-repeated claim that the country simply has “40,000 farmers.” Statistics South Africa recorded 40,122 commercial farming units in 2017. However, that figure does not represent every person or household involved in commercial agriculture. A 2025 analysis by agricultural economists Johann Kirsten and Wandile Sihlobo,...

🌱 1. Understanding Maize Farming Maize — or “millies” as we call it — is South Africa’s most important grain crop. It’s used for food, animal feed, and industrial products like ethanol and cooking oil. Starting a maize farm can be profitable if you plan carefully, manage costs, and understand your market.   💰 2. Startup Costs and Budgeting...

Agriculture is more than planting seeds and harvesting crops. It is about creating food, building livelihoods, developing communities and creating a sustainable future for the next generation. In Oskraal, Brits, North West, Mpumelelo Oskraal Farmers Primary Co-operative Limited is working toward a simple but ambitious vision: From Oskraal soil to every table in Africa. Building Farmers, Not...

Farmers are not only dealing with the traditional challenges of planting, harvesting, livestock management and finding markets. They are also navigating climate variability, rising production costs, changing consumer demand, new technologies, water constraints and increasingly competitive agricultural markets. At the same time, agriculture is becoming more connected to technology than ever...