Broadly stable
South Africa Sugarcane Production per Capita moved from 262 Kilogram in 2015 to 261.5 Kilogram in 2024 (−0.2%), an average of −0% a year. The series high was 329.3 Kilogram in 2018 and the low 261.5 Kilogram in 2024.
What South Africa Sugarcane Production per Capita shows
South Africa Sugarcane Production per Capita was 261.5 Kilogram in 2024, down 7.9% on 2023. South Africa’s sugarcane production per capita showed a moderate declining trend between 2015 and 2024, with fluctuations reflecting changes in agricultural output, climatic conditions, and challenges affecting the domestic sugar industry.
A 20.6% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2018) and low (2024) is 67.76 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was +14.6% in 2017.
Ranks 16 of 26 countries covered
Among the 26 countries in this dataset, South Africa ranks 16 for 2024, behind Eswatini (4,453 Kilogram) and Belize (4,003 Kilogram). The global figure for 2024 is 237.7 Kilogram, so South Africa is above it.
Full series
South Africa Sugarcane 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 Trough | 261.5 | −7.9% |
| 2023 | 283.9 | −1.1% |
| 2022 | 287.1 | +2.7% |
| 2021 | 279.6 | −7% |
| 2020 | 300.8 | −6.8% |
| 2019 | 322.9 | −1.9% |
| 2018Peak | 329.3 | +9.2% |
| 2017 | 301.7 | +14.6% |
| 2016 | 263.3 | +0.5% |
| 2015 | 262 | — |
Regional context
How South Africa compares in Africa
Sugarcane Production per Capita by country, 2024, Kilogram. South Africa is highlighted.
1Eswatini4,453
2Mauritius1,727
3South Africa261.5
4Egypt114.2
5Nigeria6.49
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Sugarcane Production per Capita — Sugarcane production per capita refers to the annual quantity of sugarcane produced by a country divided by its total population, measured on a per-person basis. The indicator represents the level of sugarcane production relative to population size and helps evaluate agricultural productivity, production capacity, and the importance of sugarcane cultivation within different economies. The dataset presents country-level sugarcane production per capita values for each year in the selected period, allowing comparison of production trends and changes over time.
The data includes the total agricultural production of sugarcane reported for each country and converted into a per capita measure using population estimates. It covers sugarcane cultivated and harvested for agricultural production, including output used for sugar manufacturing, ethanol production, industrial processing, and other agricultural applications. The indicator includes annual production variations influenced by factors such as cultivated area, crop yields, climatic conditions, farming practices, and agricultural policies. The dataset is compiled from agricultural production statistics and population data sources to provide comparable country-level measurements.
The data excludes sugarcane consumption, trade flows, imports, exports, sugar production, ethanol output, and processed sugar products. It does not measure productivity per hectare, farm-level efficiency, economic value, or revenue generated from sugarcane production. The indicator does not capture differences in cultivation methods, production costs, quality variations, or environmental impacts associated with sugarcane farming. It also excludes non-agricultural activities and does not represent total availability or consumption of sugarcane-derived products within a country.
About this indicator
Sugarcane Production per Capita — Sugarcane production per capita refers to the annual quantity of sugarcane produced by a country divided by its total population, measured on a per-person basis. The indicator represents the level of sugarcane production relative to population size and helps evaluate agricultural productivity, production capacity, and the importance of sugarcane cultivation within different economies. The dataset presents country-level sugarcane production per capita values for each year in the selected period, allowing comparison of production trends and changes over time.
Sugarcane is a significant commercial crop in South Africa, primarily cultivated in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga, where it supports sugar manufacturing, biofuel opportunities, rural employment, and agricultural value chains. According to the dataset, South Africa’s sugarcane production per capita declined from 262.00 units in 2015 to 261.55 units in 2024, indicating a relatively stable but slightly reduced production level over the observed period.
During the initial years from 2015 to 2017, production increased gradually, rising from 262.00 units in 2015 to 263.27 units in 2016 and reaching 301.69 units in 2017. This improvement represented stronger production performance supported by favorable agricultural conditions, improved crop yields, and continued activity within major sugar-producing regions. Production continued to increase in 2018, reaching 329.31 units, which was the highest level recorded during the period. However, production declined slightly in 2019 to 322.92 units due to variations in weather conditions, market pressures, and agricultural productivity.
In 2020, South Africa’s sugarcane production per capita decreased to 300.85 units, reflecting challenges affecting the agricultural sector and production environment. The downward trend continued in 2021, when production reached 279.65 units, before showing a slight recovery in 2022 to 287.13 units. Production declined again in 2023 to 283.87 units and further decreased to 261.55 units in 2024, returning close to the 2015 level. These fluctuations were influenced by climatic conditions, input costs, industry pressures, and changes in cultivation efficiency.
Overall, South Africa’s sugarcane production per capita highlights the resilience of its sugar sector despite long-term production challenges. The indicator provides valuable insights into agricultural performance, resource management, industry competitiveness, and sustainability trends. It is useful for evaluating production capacity, understanding market dynamics, and assessing the future outlook of South Africa’s sugarcane industry.
- Indicator
- Sugarcane 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 Sugarcane Production per Capita?
Sugarcane production per capita refers to the annual quantity of sugarcane produced by a country divided by its total population, measured on a per-person basis. The indicator represents the level of sugarcane production relative to population size and helps evaluate agricultural productivity, production capacity, and the importance of sugarcane cultivation within different economies. The dataset presents country-level sugarcane production per capita values for each year in the selected period, allowing comparison of production trends and changes over time.
What was South Africa Sugarcane Production per Capita in 2024?
South Africa Sugarcane Production per Capita was 261.5 Kilogram in 2024, down 7.9% on 2023.
How has South Africa Sugarcane Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2024?
South Africa Sugarcane Production per Capita moved from 262 Kilogram in 2015 to 261.5 Kilogram in 2024 (−0.2%), an average of −0% a year. The series high was 329.3 Kilogram in 2018 and the low 261.5 Kilogram in 2024.
Which year had the highest and lowest South Africa Sugarcane Production per Capita?
The highest value was 329.3 Kilogram in 2018 and the lowest was 261.5 Kilogram in 2024.
What does the South Africa Sugarcane Production per Capita data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes the total agricultural production of sugarcane reported for each country and converted into a per capita measure using population estimates. It covers sugarcane cultivated and harvested for agricultural production, including output used for sugar manufacturing, ethanol production, industrial processing, and other agricultural applications. The indicator includes annual production variations influenced by factors such as cultivated area, crop yields, climatic conditions, farming practices, and agricultural policies. The dataset is compiled from agricultural production statistics and population data sources to provide comparable country-level measurements. Excluded: The data excludes sugarcane consumption, trade flows, imports, exports, sugar production, ethanol output, and processed sugar products. It does not measure productivity per hectare, farm-level efficiency, economic value, or revenue generated from sugarcane production. The indicator does not capture differences in cultivation methods, production costs, quality variations, or environmental impacts associated with sugarcane farming. It also excludes non-agricultural activities and does not represent total availability or consumption of sugarcane-derived products within a country.
Where does the South Africa Sugarcane 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&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls&Food=Sugar+cane&Metric=Production&per+capita=true). It covers 2015–2024 and is reported in Kilogram.
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