Conservation agriculture in rainfed annual crop production in South Africa

Abstract

Pressures from population growth, changing diets and climate change are driving transformation of our global food production to ensure more efficient, reliable and sustainable production. In South Africa, arable land for crop production and permanent pastures accounts for 10–12% of the total land surface. South Africa is classified as semi-arid, with the average rainfall below the global average. Accordingly, dryland agriculture must identify and promote management systems with high water-use efficiency; this is crucial in a country with a debilitating water deficit. Climate change is expected to exacerbate climate variability in South Africa, and thus exert even more pressure on rainfed dryland production. Conservation agriculture is a holistic set of principles aimed as a guide to sustainable, reliable and climate-smart farming practices. Although initially established as a guide for grain farmers, its principles are also applicable to other agricultural commodities. The three principles of CA have been extensively promoted, with successful adoption and adaptation in many countries. This review highlights the results of research to date and the challenges for practising rainfed conservation agriculture in South Africa.