Agriculture has long been the backbone of South Africa’s economy, contributing to food security, employment, and rural development.
Yet, as the sector faces modern challenges—climate change, land reform debates, and technological shifts—it’s clear that the next generation of farmers must play a central role in shaping its future. South African young farmers, with their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas, need to be not just participants but vocal advocates in the agricultural landscape.
Why Young Farmers Matter
The average age of farmers in South Africa is steadily rising, with many seasoned farmers nearing retirement. This generational shift raises a critical question: who will carry the torch? Young farmers bring energy, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace new methods—qualities essential for tackling the unpredictable weather patterns, market fluctuations, and policy changes that define modern agriculture. Their involvement isn’t just about filling a gap; it’s about ensuring the sector remains dynamic and resilient.
Take, for instance, the recent recovery in South Africa’s agricultural output in late 2024, driven by increased activity in field crops and animal products. This growth highlights the sector’s potential, but it also underscores the need for youthful innovation to sustain it. Young farmers, many of whom are tech-savvy, can leverage tools like mobile marketplaces—such as the Khula app, backed by PepsiCo and Absa—to connect with buyers, source logistics, and access financing. These platforms are transforming how farming operates, and young voices must guide their evolution.
Current Issues Demand Their Input
South Africa’s agricultural community is no stranger to controversy, and recent events have amplified the need for young farmers to weigh in. The Expropriation Act of 2024, which allows the government to seize land without compensation under specific conditions, has sparked heated debate. High-profile figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump, have claimed it targets white farmers, offering them a “rapid pathway” to U.S. citizenship. South African officials and analysts, however, argue that no land has been confiscated since the law’s passage, and the policy aims to address historical inequalities from apartheid, not to discriminate.
Young farmers—both Black and white—live at the intersection of this tension. Those from emerging farming communities, often Black youth entering the sector, see land reform as a chance to correct past wrongs and access opportunities denied to their families. Meanwhile, young white farmers, many from multi-generational farming families, worry about security and economic stability amid the rhetoric of “white genocide”—a claim dismissed by South African courts as “imagined and not real.” These contrasting experiences make young farmers uniquely positioned to bridge divides and propose practical solutions, but only if they speak up.
Climate change is another pressing issue where their voices are vital. Erratic weather—floods, droughts, and heatwaves—threatens yields, yet studies from elsewhere in Africa, like Ghana, suggest that such challenges don’t deter youth from farming. South African young farmers could lead the charge in adopting climate-smart techniques, from drought-resistant crops to precision farming, ensuring the sector adapts rather than falters.
Expressing Opinions: A Call to Action
Too often, agricultural policy and discourse are dominated by older generations or external voices—politicians, lobbyists, even foreign leaders. Young farmers must reclaim their stake by engaging in farmer organizations, social media platforms like X, and public forums. Their opinions can challenge outdated practices and counter misinformation, such as exaggerated claims of violence or land seizures. For example, while attacks on farmers occur—49 murders were reported in 2023, according to AfriForum—the narrative of widespread persecution doesn’t align with data showing a 20-year low in such incidents.
Expressing their views also means advocating for support. Initiatives like the government’s Planting for Food and Jobs program or private-sector investments in tech could empower youth, but only if tailored to their needs—access to land, training, and capital. Young farmers should demand a seat at the table, whether it’s negotiating trade deals like AGOA, which impacts citrus exports, or shaping local policies.
The Path Forward
South Africa’s agricultural future hinges on its youth. They are not just inheritors of a legacy but architects of a new era—one that balances tradition with innovation, equity with productivity. By stepping up and speaking out, young farmers can ensure their voices shape the debates, policies, and practices that define their livelihoods. The fields are calling; it’s time for them to answer.
DISCLAIMER
The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The information is provided by CRA and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.
