Report on the State of Arable Land and Commercial Farming in South Africa (2025)

Executive Summary

In 2025, South Africa’s agricultural sector is at a critical juncture, balancing economic productivity with pressing sustainability and social equity challenges. With less than 10% of its landmass classified as arable, the nation’s commercial farms are pivotal for achieving national food security and economic growth, directly impacting several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This report analyzes the current landscape of arable land, key trends in commercial farming, persistent challenges, and the technological innovations being deployed. It places significant emphasis on how these factors align with or challenge the achievement of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

1.0 Overview of Arable Land Resources

South Africa’s total land area is approximately 1.22 million square kilometers, yet a limited portion is suitable for intensive cultivation. The effective management of this resource is fundamental to achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by ensuring a stable food supply.

1.1 Geographic Distribution and Crop Production

Prime arable lands are concentrated in specific provinces, each contributing uniquely to the national agricultural output.

• Free State: Central to grain and maize production, forming the backbone of the nation’s staple food supply.
• Mpumalanga: A key region for sugarcane, fruits, and intensive vegetable farming.
• KwaZulu-Natal: Significant for sugarcane and subtropical fruit cultivation.
• Western & Eastern Cape: Renowned for wheat, high-value fruits, vineyards, and vegetables, crucial for both domestic consumption and export markets.

These regions support the cultivation of essential crops that underpin national food security and contribute to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through export revenues.

1. Maize
2. Wheat and Sunflower
3. Sugarcane
4. Citrus, Grapes, and Apples
5. Vegetables

2.0 Current Trends in Commercial Farming

The commercial farming sector is evolving, driven by economic imperatives and a growing focus on sustainability and inclusivity.

2.1 Sector Dominance and Inclusive Growth Models

Commercial farming remains the cornerstone of South Africa’s food security and agricultural economy. However, there is a strategic shift towards more inclusive models to address historical imbalances, aligning with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Initiatives include:

• Mentorship and skills development programs for emerging Black farmers.
• Promotion of collaborative farming schemes.
• Investment in agro-processing and value-addition to support SDG 8.
• Adoption of renewable energy to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint, contributing to SDG 13 (Climate Action).

2.2 Export-Led Growth and Market Access

South Africa is a leading agricultural exporter on the continent. This export-oriented growth strengthens the national economy but requires robust infrastructure and sustainable practices to align with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Modern packhouses, cold-chain logistics, and efficient transport are essential for maintaining competitiveness and reducing post-harvest losses.

3.0 Key Challenges to Sustainable Agricultural Development

The sector faces significant hurdles that threaten its long-term viability and the achievement of multiple SDGs.

3.1 Land Reform and Productive Transition

Land redistribution is a critical policy objective for achieving SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). However, the transition presents challenges, including ensuring new landowners have access to capital, skills, and infrastructure to maintain productivity, which is vital for SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

3.2 Environmental Degradation and Resource Scarcity

Environmental pressures pose a direct threat to the sustainability of arable land.

• Soil Degradation: Overuse of chemicals and erosion threaten land productivity, undermining SDG 15 (Life on Land).
• Water Scarcity: Frequent droughts and inefficient irrigation practices place immense strain on water resources, directly challenging the goals of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

3.3 Climate Change Impacts

Climate change introduces significant risk and uncertainty, impacting crop yields and food security. This directly impedes progress on SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 2. Small-scale and emerging farmers are particularly vulnerable due to limited capacity for adaptation.

3.4 Infrastructure and Market Access Gaps

Inadequate rural infrastructure leads to significant post-harvest losses and increased transport costs, hindering profitability and market access. This challenge impacts the efficiency of food systems, relevant to SDG 12, and limits economic opportunities, affecting SDG 8.

4.0 Technological Innovations for Sustainable Farming

The adoption of agri-tech is crucial for addressing challenges and advancing the SDGs. These innovations promote resource efficiency and resilience, aligning with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

4.1 Precision Agriculture and Remote Sensing

Precision farming tools, including satellite monitoring and AI, enable data-driven decision-making. These technologies support:

• SDG 2: By optimizing inputs to increase yields.
• SDG 6: By enabling efficient water application through smart irrigation.
• SDG 12: By reducing the overuse of fertilizers and pesticides.
• SDG 15: By monitoring soil health and preventing degradation.

4.2 Conservation Agriculture and Climate Resilience

Practices such as no-till farming, cover cropping, and carbon footprinting are being adopted to restore soil health and mitigate climate change. These methods are essential for building resilience (SDG 13) and protecting terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15).

4.3 Agri-Financing and Digital Verification

Satellite-based verification for crop loans and insurance is improving access to finance, particularly for emerging farmers. This innovation supports SDG 10 by creating more equitable access to capital and fosters investment in sustainable technologies, contributing to SDG 8.

5.0 Policy Framework and Governance

Government policies are critical for steering the agricultural sector towards inclusive and sustainable growth. A balanced approach is required to advance land reform (SDG 10) while maintaining food production (SDG 2) and economic stability (SDG 8). Key policy areas include:

1. Providing technical support and training for emerging farmers.
2. Improving access to financing and grants.
3. Investing in climate-smart rural infrastructure.
4. Enforcing sustainability standards for all agricultural operations.

6.0 Future Outlook and Recommendations

The future of commercial farming on South Africa’s arable land depends on the integration of technology, sustainable practices, and inclusive policies. To accelerate progress towards the SDGs, the following trends must be supported:

• Wider Adoption of Agri-Tech: Continued investment in AI, satellite, and IoT tools to optimize resource use in line with SDG 12.
• Expansion of Regenerative Agriculture: Mainstreaming practices that enhance soil health and sequester carbon, supporting SDG 13 and SDG 15.
• Strengthening Value Chains: Improving transparency and traceability through technologies like blockchain to meet international standards for SDG 12.
• Focused Infrastructure Investment: Prioritizing public and private investment in rural infrastructure to support market access and reduce food loss, contributing to SDG 2 and SDG 9.

By leveraging technological innovation and fostering an enabling policy environment, South Africa can enhance the productivity and sustainability of its arable land, ensuring it contributes effectively to national development and the global Sustainable Development Goals.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article focuses on food security, agricultural productivity, and sustainable farming practices.
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – It highlights the challenges of water scarcity and the adoption of efficient irrigation technologies.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The text discusses the agricultural sector’s contribution to rural employment, GDP, and export revenues.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – A significant portion of the article is dedicated to technological innovations (agri-tech, AI, satellites) and the need for resilient rural infrastructure.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The article addresses historical inequalities through its discussion on land reform and support for emerging Black farmers.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – It covers sustainable resource management, reducing post-harvest losses, and efficient use of natural resources like soil and water.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – The text discusses the impacts of climate change on farming and the adoption of climate-smart and resilient agricultural practices.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – The challenges of soil degradation and the implementation of soil conservation and regenerative agriculture are central themes.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

   • Target 2.3: Double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers. The article directly addresses this by discussing efforts to increase yields (“15% higher yields in 2025”) and support “emerging farmers” through technology and skills development to boost their productivity and profitability.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices. The article extensively covers the adoption of sustainable practices like precision farming, conservation agriculture, and climate-smart infrastructure to build resilience against climate change, water scarcity, and soil degradation.

2. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

   • Target 6.4: Substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors. The article highlights water scarcity as a key challenge and details innovations like “precision irrigation,” “IoT-based irrigation controls,” and “climate-smart water management” aimed at reducing water consumption in agriculture. The comparative table quantifies this with an estimated “Water Use Reduction” of up to 40%.

3. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation. The article describes how South Africa’s agricultural sector is achieving this through “agri-tech advances,” “agro-processing and value addition,” and diversification into “high-value and export-oriented crops,” which contribute to agricultural GDP and export revenues.

4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure. The text emphasizes the need for “robust infrastructure—modern packhouses, cold-chain storage, rural roads” and “climate-smart infrastructure” like solar-powered irrigation to reduce post-harvest losses and support the agricultural sector.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors. The article is centered on the adoption of advanced technologies like “remote sensing (satellite/drones),” “AI-driven farm management,” and “blockchain-based traceability” to upgrade the technological capacity of the commercial farming sector.

5. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all. The discussion on “ambitious land reform and redistribution targets” to transfer ownership to “Black South Africans” and programs for “emerging Black South African farmers” directly addresses the goal of promoting economic inclusion and reducing historical inequalities.

6. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. The article details efforts to manage natural resources efficiently through “precision farming” which allows for precise application of water and fertilizer, and practices like “minimum-till or no-till planting” to conserve soil.

7. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards. The article discusses how climate change threatens crop yields and how farmers are building resilience through “climate-smart innovations,” “regenerative agriculture,” and “weather-resistant storage.”

8. SDG 15: Life on Land

   • Target 15.3: By 2030, combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil. The article identifies “soil degradation” as a significant threat, with “over 20% of formerly arable land in some regions” becoming marginal. It then highlights solutions being adopted, such as “soil conservation,” “regenerative agriculture approaches,” “cover cropping,” and “rotational grazing” to restore degraded soils.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For SDG Target 2.3 (Agricultural Productivity):

   • Indicator: The article explicitly states, “South African arable land faces 15% higher yields in 2025.” The table further provides estimated yield increases from specific technologies, such as a “12-17% increase in yield” from Precision Agriculture.

2. For SDG Target 6.4 (Water-Use Efficiency):

   • Indicator: The comparative table provides a direct metric: “Water Use Reduction (Est. %).” For example, it estimates that IoT-Based Smart Irrigation can lead to a “33-40%” reduction in water use.

3. For SDG Target 9.5 (Technological Upgrading):

   • Indicator: The “Adoption Rate (2025 Estimate)” in the comparative table serves as a clear indicator of technological uptake. For instance, Remote Sensing has an estimated adoption rate of “78%” and Precision Agriculture is at “65%.”

4. For SDG Target 10.2 (Inclusion):

   • Indicator: Progress can be measured by the implementation of “land reform and redistribution targets” and the number of “emerging Black South African farmers” supported through mentorship, skills development, and financing programs mentioned in the article.

5. For SDG Target 13.1 (Climate Resilience):

   • Indicator: The adoption of climate-smart practices is an implied indicator. This includes the percentage of farms using “regenerative agriculture,” “solar-powered irrigation pumps,” and “weather-resistant storage.”

6. For SDG Target 15.3 (Land Degradation):

   • Indicator: A baseline indicator of the problem is mentioned: “Over 20% of formerly arable land in some regions has become marginal.” Progress can be measured by tracking the reduction in this percentage over time and the area of land under “soil conservation” and “regenerative agriculture” practices.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: farmonaut.com