Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Analysis of Production and Consumption of Organic Products in South Africa
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/58356
This is an indication that the consumption of organic products is closely related to consumer
awareness and knowledge of organic products. Increasing awareness about organic products
to consumers is important to spur its demand. Most of the consumers had consumed organic
products in South Africa with non consumers showing a general interest in organic products.
Authors [53] state that consumer awareness of organic foods is the first step in developing
demand for organic products. Yet, awareness does not necessarily equate with consumption.
While organic refers to the way agricultural products are grown and processed [54], interest
in consuming organic products may relate to food safety concerns where organic products
may be a partial answer to recent food scares associated with production and handling (e. g.
BSE, dioxins, Salmonella, etc. ). Food safety issues have driven consumers to search for safer
foods whose qualities and attributes are guaranteed [55]. The main reasons advanced for the
consumption of organic products are that organics are healthy and nutritious, have a better
appearance and taste, are affordable and are safe to consume. Identified hindrances to the
consumption of organics are that they are expensive and not readily available. Price and
affordability of organic products was ranked as the most important consideration among all
consumers when buying organic products in South Africa.
5. Conclusions
The global markets for organic products have grown rapidly over the past two decades [8].
Currently 32. 2 million ha are being managed organically worldwide by more than 1. 2 million
producers [11]. In Africa, South Africa has the third largest area (50, 000ha) under organic
farming [11]. Organic production is particularly well-suited for smallholder farmers, who
comprise the majority of the world's poor. The promotion of organic agriculture does not only
constitute an important option for producersbut also responds to consumers' desire for higher
food quality and food production methods that are less damaging to the environment. The
consumers' concerns for food safety, quality and nutrition are increasingly becoming impor‐
tant across the world, which has provided growing opportunities for organic foods in recent
years. Expectedly, the demand for organic food is steadily increasing in the developing
countries. The untapped potential markets for organic foods in the countries like South Africa
need to be realised with organised interventions on various fronts, which require a better
understanding of the consumers' preference for organic food. Therefore, an analysis of
consumer's awareness of various aspects of organic products may be considered as important
ground to build the markets for organic food in the initial phase of market development. Recent
analysis [53] indicate that consumer awareness of organic foods is the first step in developing
demand for organic products. By identifying independent variables that explain the adoption
of organic farming, the present study sought to contribute to policy formulation to promote
adoption in South Africa and the rest of Africa. The identified sources of risk faced by
smallholder farmers provide useful insights for policy makers, advisers, developers and sellers
of risk management strategies. This information can yield substantial payouts in terms of the
development of quality farm management and education programs as well as the design of
more effective government policies.
