Broadly stable
South Africa Meat Production per Capita moved from 57.76 Kilogram in 2015 to 56.65 Kilogram in 2024 (−1.9%), an average of −0.2% a year. The series high was 57.76 Kilogram in 2015 and the low 54.35 Kilogram in 2017.
What South Africa Meat Production per Capita shows
South Africa Meat Production per Capita was 56.65 Kilogram in 2024, up 3.2% on 2023. South Africa’s meat production per capita showed a relatively stable trend with moderate fluctuations between 2015 and 2024, reflecting the country’s developed livestock sector, established agricultural infrastructure, changing market conditions, and efforts to maintain domestic meat supply.
A 5.9% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2015) and low (2017) is 3.41 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was −4% in 2017.
Ranks 24 of 40 countries covered
Among the 40 countries in this dataset, South Africa ranks 24 for 2024, behind Denmark (268.3 Kilogram) and Ireland (220.9 Kilogram). The global figure for 2024 is 45.81 Kilogram, so South Africa is above it.
Full series
South Africa Meat Production per Capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Kilogram.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Kilogram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 56.65 | +3.2% |
| 2023 | 54.89 | −3.4% |
| 2022 | 56.85 | −0.5% |
| 2021 | 57.12 | +0.1% |
| 2020 | 57.04 | +1.1% |
| 2019 | 56.44 | +2% |
| 2018 | 55.36 | +1.9% |
| 2017 Trough | 54.35 | −4% |
| 2016 | 56.64 | −1.9% |
| 2015Peak | 57.76 | — |
Regional context
How South Africa compares in Africa
Meat Production per Capita by country, 2024, Kilogram. South Africa is highlighted.
1South Africa56.65
2Egypt29.03
3Nigeria7.22
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Meat Production per Capita — Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual production of total meat divided by the total population of a country, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average amount of meat produced domestically per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and food supply trends. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-level time series, showing annual changes in per capita meat production over the selected period. The data covers total meat production, including different types of animal-based meat products, expressed on a per-person basis.
The data includes total meat production from livestock and other animal sources, covering major meat categories such as beef, pork, poultry, and other meats included in the overall meat production estimate. The indicator is calculated by dividing total annual meat production by the population of each country, allowing comparison of production levels across countries of different sizes. Our World in Data compiles the data from global food and agricultural datasets, primarily based on information from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and related statistical sources. The indicator reflects domestic production output and provides information on trends in livestock development, agricultural efficiency, and food production capacity.
The data excludes meat consumption, imports, exports, and availability of meat products in domestic markets. It does not represent the actual amount of meat consumed per person, as production levels may differ from consumption due to trade flows, storage, processing, and distribution factors. The indicator also does not measure the economic value of meat production, livestock quality, production costs, or environmental impacts associated with meat production. Differences may occur between countries due to variations in agricultural reporting systems, statistical methodologies, and population estimates used for per capita calculations.
About this indicator
Meat Production per Capita — Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual production of total meat divided by the total population of a country, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average amount of meat produced domestically per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and food supply trends. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-level time series, showing annual changes in per capita meat production over the selected period. The data covers total meat production, including different types of animal-based meat products, expressed on a per-person basis.
The data indicates that meat production per capita decreased slightly from 57.76 kilograms in 2015 to 56.65 kilograms in 2024, while remaining within a consistent range throughout the period.
During the period from 2015 to 2018, South Africa experienced a decline followed by partial recovery in meat production per capita. Production decreased from 57.76 kilograms in 2015 to 54.35 kilograms in 2017 before increasing to 55.36 kilograms in 2018. These changes reflected variations in livestock output, weather conditions, production costs, and agricultural market dynamics.
Between 2019 and 2021, meat production per capita showed gradual improvement. Production increased from 56.44 kilograms in 2019 to 57.04 kilograms in 2020 and reached 57.12 kilograms in 2021, representing the highest level during the analyzed period. The growth was supported by improvements in livestock management, recovery in production activities, and continued demand for animal protein.
From 2022 to 2024, South Africa’s meat production per capita experienced moderate fluctuations. Production declined from 56.85 kilograms in 2022 to 54.89 kilograms in 2023 before recovering to 56.65 kilograms in 2024. The recovery indicates improving production conditions and resilience within the livestock sector.
Overall, South Africa’s meat production per capita trends demonstrate a stable and mature livestock industry with the capacity to maintain consistent output despite market and environmental challenges. The indicator provides valuable insights into agricultural productivity, food supply stability, and livestock sector performance. Continued investment in sustainable farming practices, animal health management, and production efficiency will support the future development of South Africa’s meat industry.
- Indicator
- Meat Production per Capita
- Country
- South Africa
- Region
- Africa
- Unit
- Kilogram
- Coverage
- 2015–2024, annual
- Category
- Retail & Consumer
- Last updated
- October 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
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Frequently asked questions
What is South Africa Meat Production per Capita?
Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual production of total meat divided by the total population of a country, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average amount of meat produced domestically per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and food supply trends. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-level time series, showing annual changes in per capita meat production over the selected period. The data covers total meat production, including different types of animal-based meat products, expressed on a per-person basis.
What was South Africa Meat Production per Capita in 2024?
South Africa Meat Production per Capita was 56.65 Kilogram in 2024, up 3.2% on 2023.
How has South Africa Meat Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2024?
South Africa Meat Production per Capita moved from 57.76 Kilogram in 2015 to 56.65 Kilogram in 2024 (−1.9%), an average of −0.2% a year. The series high was 57.76 Kilogram in 2015 and the low 54.35 Kilogram in 2017.
Which year had the highest and lowest South Africa Meat Production per Capita?
The highest value was 57.76 Kilogram in 2015 and the lowest was 54.35 Kilogram in 2017.
What does the South Africa Meat Production per Capita data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes total meat production from livestock and other animal sources, covering major meat categories such as beef, pork, poultry, and other meats included in the overall meat production estimate. The indicator is calculated by dividing total annual meat production by the population of each country, allowing comparison of production levels across countries of different sizes. Our World in Data compiles the data from global food and agricultural datasets, primarily based on information from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and related statistical sources. The indicator reflects domestic production output and provides information on trends in livestock development, agricultural efficiency, and food production capacity. Excluded: The data excludes meat consumption, imports, exports, and availability of meat products in domestic markets. It does not represent the actual amount of meat consumed per person, as production levels may differ from consumption due to trade flows, storage, processing, and distribution factors. The indicator also does not measure the economic value of meat production, livestock quality, production costs, or environmental impacts associated with meat production. Differences may occur between countries due to variations in agricultural reporting systems, statistical methodologies, and population estimates used for per capita calculations.
Where does the South Africa Meat Production per Capita data come from?
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&time=2015..latest&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls&Food=Meat%2C+total&Metric=Production&Per+capita=true). It covers 2015–2024 and is reported in Kilogram.
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