Sudáfrica

Potatoes are grown in 16 distinct production regions across South Africa. The main potato-growing areas are Limpopo, the Eastern Free State, the Western Free State and the Sandveld in the Western Cape. Other production regions include Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, the Northern Cape, North West and the Eastern Cape. These regions have different climatic conditions and growing seasons, supporting potato production throughout the year. 

South Africa produces approximately 2.5 million tonnes of potatoes annually, according to Potatoes South Africa. Production is concentrated mainly in Limpopo and the Eastern and Western Free State, while the Sandveld in the Western Cape is another important production area. Potatoes supply the country's fresh produce markets, food processing industry and seed market, with additional volumes exported to neighbouring African countries. 

South Africa maintains a year-round potato supply because its 16 production regions have different climates, planting periods and harvesting seasons. Irrigation is also important because rainfall is often insufficient or unreliable in many growing areas. The Sandveld region of the Western Cape is particularly significant because it can produce potatoes throughout the year, helping maintain market supply between production seasons in other regions.

Potatoes were introduced to South Africa during the 17^th century, probably through Dutch settlers and trade associated with the Cape of Good Hope. Early cultivation was concentrated around the Western Cape, where potatoes were grown mainly in gardens. Commercial production expanded during the 20th century as locally adapted potato varieties, improved irrigation systems and better production technologies enabled cultivation to spread into regions such as Limpopo and the Free State.