“The climate of South Africa is unique, with a steep rainfall gradient from West to East, as well as three different rainfall regimes. Some parts of South Africa are prone to drought. The agricultural sector in South Africa experiences multiple stressors: variable rainfall, widespread poverty, environmental degradation, uncertainties surrounding land transformation, limited access to capital (including markets, infrastructure, and technology), and HIV/AIDS. Primary commercial agriculture contributes about 3 percent to the country’s GDP, and about 7 percent to formal employment. Maize is the most important crop as a dietary staple, a source of livestock feed, and an export crop.”
