South Africa Agriculture Employment
Employment in agriculture SL.AGR.EMPL.ZS
South Africa's agriculture employment was 5.41% in 2025, ranked 58th globally. This represents a 0.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
South Africa's agriculture employment stood at 5.41% in 2025, a decline of +0.03% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 5.31% by 2026. South Africa ranked 58th globally.
South Africa's agricultural employment has experienced a downward trend over the past three and a half decades, with a notable decline from its peak in 1993 when 9.50% of the workforce was engaged in agriculture. In contrast, neighboring Russia peaked at 6.84% in 1995 and has remained steady since then. The South African agricultural employment rate has now reached a 2025 low of 5.41%, ranking 58th globally. This decline can be attributed to the shift towards a more industrialized and service-based economy, as well as the impact of structural adjustment policies implemented in the early 1990s. The country's agricultural employment rate surpassed its all-time low in 2011, when it stood at 4.53%, indicating a gradual recovery. However, the trend remains uncertain and may continue to fluctuate in response to changes in global market conditions and government policies, particularly those affecting the agricultural sector.
Data & projection
| Year | Agriculture Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 5.18% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 5.25% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 5.31% | - | - |
| 2025 | 5.41% | −0.03% | #58 |
| 2024 | 5.44% | −0.06% | #58 |
| 2023 | 5.50% | −0.05% | #58 |
| 2022 | 5.54% | −0.15% | #56 |
| 2021 | 5.69% | +0.23% | #56 |
| 2020 | 5.46% | +0.22% | #54 |
| 2019 | 5.25% | +0.12% | #54 |
| 2018 | 5.12% | −0.11% | #53 |
| 2017 | 5.24% | −0.29% | #53 |
| 2016 | 5.52% | −0.05% | #54 |
| 2015 | 5.57% | +0.99% | #53 |
| 2014 | 4.58% | −0.35% | #46 |
| 2013 | 4.94% | +0.18% | #49 |
| 2012 | 4.76% | +0.23% | #45 |
| 2011 | 4.53% | −0.23% | #43 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Africa matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1994. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw agriculture employment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Africa's agriculture employment was 5.41% in 2025. Ranked 58th globally. This represents a 0.6% decrease from the previous year.
South Africa's agriculture employment peaked at 9.50% in 1993.
The lowest agriculture employment in South Africa was 4.53% in 2011.
South Africa ranks 58th globally in agriculture employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.AGR.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Africa's agriculture employment is projected to reach 5.31% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The agriculture employment of South Africa in 2025 was 5.41%. This ranks 58th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-africa_agriculture-employment,
title = {South Africa Agriculture Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-africa/agriculture-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}