Agriculture remains the backbone of food security, rural livelihoods, and exports in South Africa. Yet, the sector is undergoing rapid change due to climate variability, mechanisation, and the growing role of agribusiness. According to Statistics South Africa, agriculture contributes about 2.5% to GDP but supports nearly 850,000 jobs, particularly in rural provinces. The challenge is how to modernise without leaving farm workers behind.

The skills in demand reflect this balancing act. On one hand, advanced qualifications in agricultural science, soil management, plant genetics, irrigation technology, and climate-smart farming are increasingly critical. On the other, practical farming skills such as livestock handling, crop management, and food safety compliance remain indispensable. Emerging areas like agricultural economics, agribusiness management, and supply chain logistics also demand skilled professionals.

The rise of agri-tech from drone-based crop monitoring to AI-driven yield predictions creates new opportunities for ICT and engineering graduates to find a place in agriculture. Globally, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) stresses the importance of digital tools to improve productivity. For South Africa, adopting these technologies could mean higher yields, but only if workers are reskilled to operate them.

Youth and women face systemic barriers, particularly in accessing land and finance. Targeted training, microfinance, and mentorship programs can bridge this gap. Retrenched farmworkers should not be forgotten: they can be redeployed into food processing, agro-logistics, and agri-tourism, expanding value chains.

Agriculture is no longer just about ploughs and tractors; it is about data, markets, and skills. The pathway forward lies in combining traditional know-how with new qualifications that can transform the sector into a resilient, job-creating engine for South Africa.