South Africa
aartappel, igwili, itapile, izambane, letapola, potato...
Year2007
Production
2 174 189 tons
Harvested area
143 000 acres
Yield
15.2 tons/acre
Dutch seafarers heading for East Asia probably brought the potato to South Africa in the 1600s (it is thought sailors encouraged potato growing at ports of call so they could re-supply with fresh tubers during ocean voyages).
Today, South Africa is among the leading potato producers in the sub-Saharan region. Potato output has grown strongly over the past 15 years, from 1.32 million tons in 1990 to a record 2.09 million tons in 2007. In the same period, the potato farming area actually declined, from 155 000 to 143 000 acres. Most potatoes are grown on relatively large farms, increasingly under irrigation, with yields of more than 15 tons per acre.
South Africa boasts a sophisticated seed potato industry and - thanks largely to the country's rapid rate of urbanization - a vibrant potato processing sector, which utilizes some 275 000 tons of potatoes per year, mainly for frozen french fries and crisps. Annual potato consumption is around 66 lb per person.
Further details from Potatoes South Africa