Higher over the period
South Africa Soybean Production per Capita moved from 18.86 Kilogram in 2015 to 28.87 Kilogram in 2024 (+53.1%), an average of +4.8% a year. The series high was 43.82 Kilogram in 2023 and the low 12.96 Kilogram in 2016.
What South Africa Soybean Production per Capita shows
South Africa Soybean Production per Capita was 28.87 Kilogram in 2024, down 34.1% on 2023. South Africa’s soybean production per capita between 2015 and 2024 demonstrates a strong long-term growth trend with noticeable fluctuations, reflecting changes in cultivated area, crop yields, weather conditions, and agricultural productivity.
A 70.4% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2023) and low (2016) is 30.86 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was +76.2% in 2017.
Ranks 5 of 24 countries covered
Among the 24 countries in this dataset, South Africa ranks 5 for 2024, behind Argentina (1,055 Kilogram) and Brazil (681.5 Kilogram). The global figure for 2024 is 48.72 Kilogram, so South Africa is below it.
Full series
South Africa Soybean 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 | 28.87 | −34.1% |
| 2023Peak | 43.82 | +22.6% |
| 2022 | 35.75 | +15.9% |
| 2021 | 30.84 | +50% |
| 2020 | 20.57 | +4.7% |
| 2019 | 19.64 | −25.2% |
| 2018 | 26.27 | +15.1% |
| 2017 | 22.83 | +76.2% |
| 2016 Trough | 12.96 | −31.3% |
| 2015 | 18.86 | — |
Regional context
How South Africa compares in Africa
Soybean Production per Capita by country, 2024, Kilogram. South Africa is highlighted.
1South Africa28.87
2Nigeria4.94
3Egypt0.644
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Soybean Production per Capita — Soybean production per capita refers to the annual production of soybeans divided by the total population of a country or region, measured in grams per person. The indicator represents the average amount of soybean output available per individual based on domestic agricultural production during a specific year. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-level time series, allowing comparisons of soybean production performance across different countries and periods. The dataset is compiled from agricultural production statistics and population data to calculate per capita production values.
The data includes the total production of soybeans from agricultural activities, expressed on a per capita basis by dividing production volumes by the corresponding population figures. It covers soybean output used for various purposes, including food products, animal feed, vegetable oil production, and industrial applications. The indicator includes annual production trends across countries and regions, enabling analysis of changes in cultivation, productivity, and agricultural output relative to population size. The dataset supports comparisons of soybean production capacity, regional agricultural performance, and long-term production trends.
The data excludes soybean imports, exports, consumption, processing volumes, and stock levels. It does not measure individual dietary availability, market supply, or actual soybean usage within a country. The indicator does not account for differences in farming practices, production costs, land use efficiency, or trade dependency. It also does not represent nutritional intake or food security conditions, as it only reflects domestic soybean production relative to population size. Variations may occur due to differences in agricultural reporting methods, estimation procedures, and data availability across countries.
About this indicator
Soybean Production per Capita — Soybean production per capita refers to the annual production of soybeans divided by the total population of a country or region, measured in grams per person. The indicator represents the average amount of soybean output available per individual based on domestic agricultural production during a specific year. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-level time series, allowing comparisons of soybean production performance across different countries and periods. The dataset is compiled from agricultural production statistics and population data to calculate per capita production values.
Soybeans are an increasingly important agricultural commodity in South Africa, supporting livestock feed production, food processing, vegetable oil manufacturing, and domestic agricultural supply chains. Based on the available data, soybean production per capita increased from 18.86 kilograms in 2015 to 28.87 kilograms in 2024, indicating significant overall improvement despite variations during the period.
Production per capita declined from 18.86 kilograms in 2015 to 12.96 kilograms in 2016, representing the lowest level recorded during the period. However, production recovered strongly to 22.83 kilograms in 2017 and increased further to 26.27 kilograms in 2018. This improvement reflected stronger production performance, expanded soybean cultivation, and favourable agricultural conditions. A moderate decline occurred in 2019, when production per capita decreased to 19.64 kilograms, followed by a slight recovery to 20.57 kilograms in 2020.
A significant increase occurred from 2021 onwards, with soybean production per capita rising to 30.84 kilograms. The indicator continued to strengthen in 2022, reaching 35.75 kilograms, and increased further to 43.82 kilograms in 2023, the highest level recorded during the period. This growth may have been supported by increased planting area, improved farming practices, technological adoption, and rising demand from feed and processing industries.
In 2024, soybean production per capita declined to 28.87 kilograms, reflecting a moderation after the previous year’s peak. However, the latest value remained substantially higher than the 2015 level, highlighting the long-term expansion of South Africa’s soybean production capacity.
Overall, the dataset highlights the growth and increasing strategic importance of South Africa’s soybean sector. It is valuable for analysing agricultural trends, monitoring per capita output, assessing production performance, supporting market forecasting, and evaluating the influence of climate conditions, productivity, cultivation patterns, and domestic demand on soybean production.
- Indicator
- Soybean Production per Capita
- Country
- South Africa
- Region
- Africa
- Unit
- Kilogram
- Coverage
- 2015–2024, annual
- Category
- Agriculture
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
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Frequently asked questions
What is South Africa Soybean Production per Capita?
Soybean production per capita refers to the annual production of soybeans divided by the total population of a country or region, measured in grams per person. The indicator represents the average amount of soybean output available per individual based on domestic agricultural production during a specific year. In Our World in Data, the indicator is presented as a country-level time series, allowing comparisons of soybean production performance across different countries and periods. The dataset is compiled from agricultural production statistics and population data to calculate per capita production values.
What was South Africa Soybean Production per Capita in 2024?
South Africa Soybean Production per Capita was 28.87 Kilogram in 2024, down 34.1% on 2023.
How has South Africa Soybean Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2024?
South Africa Soybean Production per Capita moved from 18.86 Kilogram in 2015 to 28.87 Kilogram in 2024 (+53.1%), an average of +4.8% a year. The series high was 43.82 Kilogram in 2023 and the low 12.96 Kilogram in 2016.
Which year had the highest and lowest South Africa Soybean Production per Capita?
The highest value was 43.82 Kilogram in 2023 and the lowest was 12.96 Kilogram in 2016.
What does the South Africa Soybean Production per Capita data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes the total production of soybeans from agricultural activities, expressed on a per capita basis by dividing production volumes by the corresponding population figures. It covers soybean output used for various purposes, including food products, animal feed, vegetable oil production, and industrial applications. The indicator includes annual production trends across countries and regions, enabling analysis of changes in cultivation, productivity, and agricultural output relative to population size. The dataset supports comparisons of soybean production capacity, regional agricultural performance, and long-term production trends. Excluded: The data excludes soybean imports, exports, consumption, processing volumes, and stock levels. It does not measure individual dietary availability, market supply, or actual soybean usage within a country. The indicator does not account for differences in farming practices, production costs, land use efficiency, or trade dependency. It also does not represent nutritional intake or food security conditions, as it only reflects domestic soybean production relative to population size. Variations may occur due to differences in agricultural reporting methods, estimation procedures, and data availability across countries.
Where does the South Africa Soybean 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..2024&Food=Soybeans&Metric=Production&Per+capita=true&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls). It covers 2015–2024 and is reported in Kilogram.
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