South Africa's food production is collapsing, which is bad for the region and could push food prices higher worldwide.

• South Africa has long fed half of Africa, with most farming done by white farmers, but a 2024 law lets the government seize white-owned farmland to give to black owners.
• When farms change hands, crop yields collapse because the new owners often lack farming experience, and many resell the land or leave it unused.
• Violence against white farmers and crumbling government infrastructure are making farming even harder, with farmers forced to cover road and freight costs themselves.
• The Iran conflict is causing shortages of diesel and fertilizer, which could turn the situation into a full food crisis by 2027.
• If South Africa cannot feed the region, other African countries will buy food on the open market, pushing global food prices up.

Outlook: Food shortages in South Africa could spread across half of Africa into 2027 and lift food prices worldwide, especially if fuel and fertilizer costs stay high.