3.2 Case study

Question 1

What is the biggest industry in Eswatini?

Answer 1

Sugar cane production is the single biggest industry in Eswatini.

Question 2

Natural inputs required in the production of sugar?

Answer 2

• Flat land in Low Veld region.
• Hot climate in Low Veld region.
• Soils which are rich in nutrients.

Question 3

Why is Eswatini suitable for sugar production?

Answer 3

• Eswatini’s Low Veld region has flat land suitable for large-scale mechanisation.
• Sugar needs a hot climate. Eswatini’s Low Veld region has an average monthly temperature of 29 °C in summer.
• The alluvial soils in the river valleys are rich in nutrients and maintain moisture.

Question 4

Human inputs required in the production of sugar in Eswatini?

Answer 4

• Irrigation.
• Entry to international markets.
• Labour (both skilled and unskilled)
• Capital

Question 5

Sugar production processes in Eswatini?

Answer 5

Irrigation: Irrigation water is taken from rivers by canals.
Burning: Once grown, the ripe sugar cane is first burned in the fields. This makes harvesting it easier, because it removes all of the leaves- but does not damage the sugar inside.
Harvesting: The cane is then cut down and taken to the sugar mills for crushing.
Replanting: Sugar cane will regenerate for several years before replanting is necessary. New plants are raised in a nursery for replanting in the fields.

Question 6

How long does the growth of sugar cane crop in Eswatini take?

Answer 6

About 12 months.

Question 7

Outputs of the sugar production?

Answer 7

The outputs are: raw sugar, refined sugar, brown sugar, molasses and bagasse.

Question 8

Factors contributing to food shortages in Eswatini?

Answer 8

• Drought
• HIV / AIDs
• Social unrest