South Africa underwent close to average conditions, with a slight rainfall deficit of 4% (mostly in the west). Summer crops (maize, soybean) are currently being harvested in the east (up to June)and somewhat later in the west (June-July). Although initial NDVI values (from December to March) were low, current values indicate a good recovery, with mostly average values nationwide. Contrasting NDVI profiles are observed with mostly below average conditions in Kwazulu-Natal and eastern Cape, mixed in Mpulamanga, but favorable in the Free State and very favorable in the North West province. The analysis is largely confirmed by the maximum VCI values which indicate good average crops in the Free State and a crop that is possibly the best of the last thirteen years in the North-West province. Combined with a crop arable land increase of 2.5%, the indicators converge on assessing the crop as rather favorable.

Figure 3.34. South Africa crop condition, Jan-Apr 2014

(a) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI                                             (b) Maximum VCI    

(c) Spatial NDVI patterns comparedto 5YA                                                (d) NDVI profile