Different Types of Farming in South Africa: How Climate, Land, and Economy Shape Agriculture

Published: 17 Dec 2025

South Africa is a country where agriculture is deeply shaped by nature and society. Many students and readers feel confused when studying farming in South Africa because one single method does not exist. In some areas, farmers grow crops on large commercial farms using machines and irrigation, while in other regions, families depend on small pieces of land and traditional tools just to survive.

This difference happens because South Africa has varied climate zones, different landforms, unequal access to resources, and a mixed economy. Rainfall is not the same everywhere, soil quality changes from place to place, and economic conditions decide whether farming is done for profit or survival.

To truly understand farming in South Africa, we must look at how climate, land, and the economy work together to shape different farming systems. Below is a complete, clear, and exam-ready explanation written in the same detailed style you asked for.

Table of Content

The Role of Climate in South African Farming
The Importance of Land and Soil
Economic Influence on Farming Systems
Commercial Farming in South Africa
Subsistence Farming and Rural Survival
Livestock Farming and Dry Regions
Mixed Farming: Balance Between Crops and Animals
Crop (Arable) Farming
Horticultural Farming and Exports
Irrigation Farming and Water Control
Intensive and Extensive Farming
1. Intensive Farming
2. Extensive Farming
Organic Farming and Sustainable Practices
How Climate, Land, and Economy Work Together
Conclusion

So, guys, without wasting time, let’s jump into the article to learn the Different Types of Farming in South Africa: How Climate, Land, and Economy Shape Agriculture

The Role of Climate in South African Farming

Climate is the most powerful factor influencing farming in South Africa.

South Africa experiences:

Low and uneven rainfall
Frequent droughts
Hot summers and mild winters
Semi-arid to arid conditions in many regions

Because rainfall is unreliable, farmers must choose farming methods that suit local weather conditions. Areas with higher rainfall support crop farming, while dry regions are better suited to livestock farming.

Climate directly affects:

Crop choice
Farming techniques
Use of irrigation
Farming risk and productivity

This is why farming systems differ strongly from one province to another.

The Importance of Land and Soil

Land quality also plays a major role in shaping farming types.

South Africa has:

Fertile plains in some regions
Rocky and shallow soils in others
Mountainous areas
Semi-desert landscapes like the Karoo

Fertile land supports crop farming, while poor or dry land is mostly used for grazing animals. Farmers must adapt their farming practices to the natural limits of the land.

Economic Influence on Farming Systems

The economy determines how farming is practiced.

Some farmers have:

Large landholdings
Access to capital
Modern machinery
Market connections

Others farm mainly to:

Feed their families
Support rural livelihoods
Preserve cultural traditions

Because of this economic difference, farming in South Africa is divided into commercial and non-commercial systems, each serving a different purpose.

Commercial Farming in South Africa

Commercial farming is the backbone of South Africa’s agricultural economy. It focuses on producing food for sale, not just for family use.

Characteristics of commercial farming:

Large farms
High investment
Use of machinery
Modern technology

Main commercial crops include:

Maize
Wheat
Sugarcane
Sunflower
Fruits

Commercial farming is common in regions with:

Better infrastructure
Access to irrigation
Market facilities

This system supports:

National food supply
Employment
Agricultural exports

However, it is highly affected by climate change and rising production costs.

Subsistence Farming and Rural Survival

Subsistence farming is practiced mainly in rural and communal areas.

In this system, farmers grow food primarily to feed their families. Any surplus is small and may be sold locally.

Features of subsistence farming:

Small plots of land
Simple tools
Limited technology
Low production

Common crops:

Maize
Sorghum
Beans
Vegetables

Livestock such as goats and chickens are also kept.

Subsistence farming is strongly shaped by:

Poverty
Limited access to land
Traditional lifestyles

Even though it does not contribute much to exports, it plays a vital role in food security and rural survival.

Livestock Farming and Dry Regions

Livestock farming is one of the most suitable farming types in South Africa, especially in dry areas.

Animals commonly raised:

Cattle
Sheep
Goats

Livestock farming is common in:

Karoo
Northern Cape
Grassland regions

This type of farming fits well with:

Low rainfall
Natural grasslands
Large open spaces

Livestock provides:

Meat
Milk
Wool
Leather

Sheep farming is particularly important for wool production, while cattle farming supports both beef and dairy industries.

Mixed Farming: Balance Between Crops and Animals

Mixed farming involves growing crops and raising animals on the same farm.

This system is popular because it:

Reduces risk
Improves soil fertility
Increases income stability

For example:

Animal manure fertilizes crops
Crop waste feeds animals

Mixed farming works best in areas with:

Moderate rainfall
Fertile soils

It is considered one of the most sustainable farming systems in South Africa.

Crop (Arable) Farming

Arable farming focuses only on growing crops.

This system depends heavily on:

Rainfall
Soil fertility
Irrigation

Major arable crops:

Maize
Wheat
Soybeans

Arable farming is common in regions with suitable climate and flat land. Drought remains the biggest challenge for this system.

Horticultural Farming and Exports

Horticulture is the farming of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.

This type of farming is strongly shaped by:

Climate suitability
Export markets
Skilled labor

Major horticultural products:

Citrus fruits
Grapes
Apples

Horticulture plays a key role in:

Foreign exchange earnings
Job creation

It is especially important in regions with access to irrigation and international markets.

Irrigation Farming and Water Control

Because rainfall is unreliable, irrigation farming is essential in many parts of South Africa.

Water sources include:

Rivers
Dams
Boreholes

Irrigation allows farmers to:

Grow crops in dry regions
Increase yield
Farm throughout the year

However, water scarcity makes irrigation management a major challenge.

Intensive and Extensive Farming

Intensive Farming

Small land area
High inputs
High yield

Examples include poultry, dairy, and vegetable farming near cities.

Extensive Farming

Large land areas
Low inputs
Natural grazing

Common for cattle and sheep in dry regions.

Both systems exist because of differences in land availability and economic resources.

Organic Farming and Sustainable Practices

Organic farming avoids chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

It is growing due to:

Health awareness
Environmental concerns
Market demand

Although yields are lower, organic farming supports sustainability and soil health.

How Climate, Land, and Economy Work Together

Farming in South Africa is shaped by:

Climate deciding what can grow
Land deciding how it can grow
Economy deciding why it is grown

These three factors together explain why South Africa has many different farming systems, not just one.

Conclusion

Farming in South Africa is not uniform—it is diverse, adaptive, and deeply connected to nature and society. Climate determines rainfall and temperature, land determines fertility and use, and the economy determines whether farming is for profit or survival.

Understanding how climate, land, and economy shape agriculture helps students and readers clearly understand why different types of farming exist in South Africa and why each one is important for the country’s future.