SA Dry Bean Industry Analytics

Statistical Analysis Dashboard • 2023-2025

Marketing Crisis 2025Production Recovery +47%
Total Production 2025
77,613 tons

+47% from 2024 drought

Average Yield
1.78 t/ha

Below global potential (2.5-4.0 t/ha)

Active Farms
368 farms

Across 43,584 hectares

Global Market Share
0.99%

Ranked 18th in Africa

Production Timeline (2023-2025)
The paradox of recovery vs marketing challenges
Industry Crisis Indicators
Key challenges despite production recovery
Disease Impact (Anthracnose)Up to 100% loss
Fertilizer Cost Increase+89%
Small Farm Inefficiency70.4% farms <100ha
RGS Market Concentration72.6%
The 2024-2025 Paradox Explained
Why record recovery led to marketing challenges

Why 2024 Was Record Year

  • Recovery from severe 2023-24 drought (-23% production)
  • La Niña conditions provided ideal growing weather
  • Strong regional export demand due to drought elsewhere
  • Lower disease pressure from drier conditions

Why 2025 Faces Marketing Crisis

  • Regional competition recovered, reducing export demand
  • Quality issues from disease outbreaks in humid conditions
  • Cost-price squeeze with 89% fertilizer cost increase
  • Infrastructure constraints limit storage and processing