'n Ondersoek na die ekonomiese lewensvatbaarheid van kommersiële olyfboerdery in die Noordwes-provinsie

Abstract

The olive industry in the Northwest Province is relatively underdeveloped, but it shows potential for financial growth. In 2020, South Africa exported R3 574 402's worth of olive oil, making it the 31st largest exporter of olive oil in the world. In the same period, South Africa imported R19 930 000 worth of olive oil and became the 52nd largest importer of olive oil in the world. The main destination of olive oil exports from South Africa are Yemen R1 067 379, Botswana R729 705, Somalia R714 880, Eswatini R660 523 and Lesotho R138 529 (OEC, 2022). Considering this, it is clear that the olive industry is a strong growing industry with great potential. To this effect, this study was conducted to generate a clear perspective of the olive industry in the Northwest Province. Limited information is available on olive farming in the Northwest Province. Several stages of plantations can be found on different farms, with widespread conditions and farming methods. Therefore, all commercial olive farmers in the Northwest Province were approached to participate in the study. The joint experience of these pioneering farmers was used to determine the economic viability of commercial olive farming in the province. The Northwest farmers use practices and guidelines in accordance with the Western Cape and Mediterranean region. Therefore, relevant Northwest Province information has been researched as conditions between these regions are not identical. A large void in the olive industry in the Northwest Province can be attributed to the lack of knowledge and information available. These critical aspects were evaluated in accordance with the olive farmers' challenges, and needs and recommendations were suggested to address these shortcomings.