Classwork Exercise and Series (Geography SS 3): Fruit Farming In Mediterranean Region

Definition of Fruit Farming

Fruit farming is defined as the type of farming which farmers cultivate mainly fruit crops either for domestic, industrial or commercial purposes. It is also regard to as orchad farming

Major Areas of Fruit Farming

(a) In North West Africa: the areas include Tunisia, Algeria, Libya and Morocco

(b) In South West: the areas are mainly around Cape Town, Natal and Orange free

Factors favourable to fruit farming

1. The presence of Mediterranean climate favours fruit farming in the regions
2. Presence of a bright, sunny weather with hot, sunny weather with hot, dry summers and wet winters
3. Presence of a dry warm summer temperature of 21oC – 27oC
4. Abundance of rainfall in winter of 25 – 75cm per annum
5. Availability of local and foreign markets consumed the products
6. The use of irrigation system to supplement insufficient rainfall
7. The use of advanced methods of cultivation e.g terracing

Types of fruit produced

(a) In South Africa, popular fruits grown or produced include vine, grapes, apples, pears, oranges, pineapple, peaches and apricots

(b) North West Africa: important fruit produced include oranges, apricots, figs, grapes, olive, lemon, limes and tangerine

Importance of fruit farming

1. Fruit farming provides foreign exchange through the export on wine produced from fruits
2. It provides employment to many people
3. It provides raw materials for fruit canning and processing industries e.g for wine industries
4. It provides special wine consumed locally or exported to other countries
5. Fruits produced provide minerals and vitamins which are consumed locally
6. Vita culture, which is the cultivation of grape fruits, promotes specialisation by some people

Problems of Fruit Farming

1. Rainfall is unreliable as this affects the growth and production of fruits
2. Improper storage and processing can lead to poor quality of fruit products
3. There is the problem competition in quality with other wines produced in other countries
4. Soil erosion during the summer season affects the production of fruits
5. Inadequate trained personnel on fruit processing

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