Measures to protect trade and food security

Although there has been extensive planting of staple crops, dry conditions have been increasing in many parts of SA, necessitating some precautionary steps to ensure the food supply chain. 

- Dr Sifiso Ntombela

South Africa experienced good rains at the beginning of the season, which suggested that there was a delay in the El Niño cycle. Subsequently, farmers planted a large area equivalent to 4,4 million hectares of maize, soya bean, sunflower, groundnuts and sorghum. However, weather patterns are changing and drier conditions have intensified in recent months.

Between November 2023 and January 2024, the SA Weather Service noted below-normal rainfall received in large parts of the country. This has led to a significant drop in the official yield forecast of grain crops by the Crop Estimate Committee.