Fact check: How has the number of white farmers in South Africa changed since 1994?

1. Summary of the results

The available data indicates a significant decline in the number of white farmers in South Africa since 1994, though the exact figures vary by source and methodology. The most concrete data shows that commercial farmers decreased from 120,000 in 1994 to 37,000 by 2012 ^[1]. Additionally, farmers of European descent had decreased by one third since 1997 ^[2].

This decline appears to be part of broader demographic changes, with approximately one million white South Africans leaving the country in the past ten years ^[3], and about half a million departing over three decades ^[4]. The primary drivers cited include crime, affirmative action, political instability, and uncertainty ^{[3] [4]}.

However, the agricultural sector itself has shown resilience, with the large farm sector becoming one of the most rapidly-growing parts of the economy over the last two decades ^[5]. Despite the demographic shift, white South Africans still possessed 72% of farming and agricultural land in 2017, while Black South Africans possessed only 4% ^[6].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks crucial context about South Africa's agricultural landscape transformation. Most significantly, the majority of farm enterprises in South Africa are small family farms, and there are more black farmers than white farmers ^[7]. This challenges narratives that focus exclusively on large commercial operations.

The land ownership statistics reveal a stark contradiction: while white farmers may be declining in numbers, they retain disproportionate control over agricultural land ^[6]. This suggests that the question of "how many" farmers overlooks the more complex issue of land concentration and economic control.

Recent crime statistics also provide important context often missing from discussions about white farmer emigration. In 2025, 5 out of 6 farm murder victims were black Africans ^[8], contradicting narratives that present farm violence as primarily targeting white farmers. The history of farm murders has been distorted and reported in an unbalanced way, with African people being victims in greater numbers ^[9].

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

While the question itself appears neutral, it operates within a context where farm murder statistics have been consistently misrepresented ^[9]. The focus on white farmer numbers without acknowledging the broader agricultural demographics could perpetuate incomplete narratives.

Political figures and media outlets benefit from emphasizing certain aspects of this story while ignoring others. The claim that white farmers are being thrown off the land is not supported by evidence ^[5], yet this narrative continues to circulate internationally.

The question also fails to acknowledge that South Africa's land reform efforts represent an attempt to address historical injustices where black people were once excluded from land ownership ^[5]. Without this historical context, discussions about changing farmer demographics can inadvertently support misleading political narratives that ignore the country's apartheid legacy and current peaceful reform efforts.