This note pack is a complete summary with diagrams. It summarises all the content for Topic 5 : Economic of South Africa Introduction; Chapter 2 : Agriculture in the Focus Geography Grade 12 Learners Book.
Contribution of Agriculture to SA Economy
Agriculture, or farming, is a primary activity & involves cultivation of plants & breeding of animals
(livestock) mainly for the purpose of food production.
Subsistence Farming Farmer farms for own needs, not for profit and producing little surplus, basic
techniques and primitive farming implements. Found rural areas of former homelands.
Commercial Farming Farming using modern farming methods. Machinery, irrigation, seeds, fertilisers &
pesticides used maximise production, sales, profit & producing high-quality goods. Sold
to domestic & export market.
Balance of Trade Difference between country’s imports & exports.
Agro industries Related to agriculture. Eg. irrigation needs, pesticides, feed for livestock & medicine
for livestock.
Monoculture Growing only one crop on farm.
Cash Crops Crops produced to be sold.
Extensive Farming - very large farm. Yield per hectare low
- capital input low
- few workers needed
- usually on land is less fertile
Intensive Farming - very productive, high yields per hectare
- capital input high needed for development, mechanisation
- many workers needed
- fertile land
, Agriculture Important to South African Economy
- In 2012 more 600 000 ppl jobs in agriculture.
- Farms provide raw materials for industry: supports further employment.
- 8,5 million ppl directly / indirectly dependent on agriculture for employment.
- Total contribution agriculture to economy was R50 billion in 2011.
- 45% agricultural produce is exported, earning R45 bil for South Africa.
Figure (above) shows relative importance of agriculture’s contribution to nation GDP has decreased
since 1950. Share is now less than 12% of what was in 19590. Between 1950 & 2012 number people
working in agriculture decreased from million to 638 00. Despite decline share in GDP, farming vital to
economy & security of South Africa.
Role of Small-Scale Farmers
Key word :
- Hydroponic farming : growing plants without soil, instead using nutrient liquid that piped to roots
of plants, in greenhouse.
- Genetically modified (GM) seeds : hybridised seeds developed withstand diseases / climate
conditions.
South Africa has dual agricultural economy. Following two types of farming practised :
- Well-developed large-scale commercial farming.
- Smaller-scale communal farming.
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