In South Africa, wheat is the main crop being produced during this monitoring period. In the east, maize sowing started in October. Soybean planting also started in October. Based on the NDVI development graph, the development of summer crops was advanced compared with 5YA, while the crop condition was in general below the 5-year average and well below 2021 during the monitoring period.

At the national level, the CropWatch agroclimatic indicators show that RADPAR was at average and TEMP was above the 15-year average (+1.1°C). Due to a significantly decreased rainfall (-39%), the BIOMSS decreased by 13% compared to the 15-year average. The VCIx was 1.23, while that of the Mediterranean zone where wheat is an important crop was only 0.79, much less than other regions. CALF increased significantly (+65%) compared with the last 5 years, indicating the advanced sowing progress and the early development of summer crops. As to the spatial distribution of NDVI profiles, crop conditions on about 94.1% of the cropland were close to and above average mainly in the central and eastern parts, and on about 5.9% were below average mainly in the western regions during the whole monitoring period. The areas with negative departures were mainly in the western region, most located in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, North West and Orange Free State Province. Water is generally limiting crop production in South Africa. Its government has developed several large water facilities, which have increased the irrigated area of the country by 40%, and the yield of crops has generally increased in recent years. Overall, favorable agro-climatic conditions in South Africa benefitted summer crops sowing and early development, while crop condition in wheat growing regions was unfavorable with reduced production.

Regional analysis

In the Arid and desert zones, RAIN was significantly below average (-47%) and RADPAR was slightly below average (-2%), whereas TEMP was above average (+1.3°C). BIOMSS decreased significantly by 18% due to the low rainfall. CALF increased significantly (+56%) and VCIx was 1.14. The cropping intensity was average (112%, +4%), indicating cropland utilization rate was normal. The crop condition development graph based on NDVI indicates that the crop conditions were generally above the 5-year average and even above the 5-year maximum in most months. Crop production is expected to be favorable.

In the Humid Cape Fold mountains, the TEMP (+1.1°C) and RADPAR (+2%) were above average. Due to insufficient rainfall (-28%), BIOMSS was significantly below the 15-year average (-11%). CALF was 94% and VCIx was 1.05. The cropping intensity was average (102%, -2%), indicating cropland utilization rate was normal. The crop condition development graph based on NDVI also indicates favorable crop conditions.

In the Mediterranean zone, the TEMP was close to average (-0.2°C), while RAIN witnessed a significant decrease (-45%) and RADPAR was slightly above average (+2%). The BIOMSS was significantly decreased by 27% due to the insufficient rainfall. CALF decreased slightly (83%, -2%) and VCIx was 0.79. The cropping intensity was average (107%, +7%), indicating cropland utilization rate was normal. According to the crop condition development graph, the NDVI was close to or below the 5-year average for most of the period, crop conditions generally were unfavorable and wheat production reduced from 2021.

In the Dry Highveld and Bushveld maize areas, RAIN (-43%) was significantly below the 15-year average, whereas TEMP was above average (+1.3°C). RADPAR was as average. The BIOMSS was decreased by 11% due to the insufficient rainfall. CALF increased significantly (33%, +162%) and VCIx was 1.31. The cropping intensity was average (102%, +2%), indicating cropland utilization rate was normal. The crop condition development graph based on NDVI shows that the NDVI was above the 5-year average for most of the period. In all, the crop conditions were favorable.

Figure 3.45 South Africa's crop condition, July - October 2022

(a) Phenology of the main Crop

(b) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI  

(c) Maximum VCI

(d) Rainfall index 

(e) Temperature index

(f) Spatial NDVI patterns compared to 5YA        (g) NDVI profiles

(h) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI Arid desert (left) and Humid sub-tropical (right)

(i) Crop condition development graph based on NDVI semiarid steppe (left)  and Mediterranean (right)

Table3.81 South Africa's agro-climatic indicators by sub‐national regions, current season's values and departure from 15YA, July - October 2022

Table3.82 South Africa's agronomic indicators by sub-national regions, current season's values and departures from 5YA, July - October 2022