The Republic of South Africa covers an area of 122,3 million hectares and has a total population of 37,9 million people. It is a country of contrasts: abundant rain followed by severe droughts and extreme temperatures. Varying climatic zones and topography enable the production of almost any kind of crop, enabling the country to be self sufficient in a vast variety of agricultural products. With an estimated 6 million people dependent on the land for a livelihood, agriculture constitutes one of the key industries in South Africa's economy.

The sunflower is still considered a commercially valuable plant. The leaves are used as fodder, the flowers yield a yellow dye, and the seeds provide oil and food. The plant now is cultivated in Egypt, India, Ukraine, England, and other parts of Europe for its seeds: their sweet, yellow oil is considered to be as good as olive or almond oil for table use. The oil is also used in soap, paints, and stock and poultry feed. The seeds may be eaten dried or roasted or they may be ground to make bread or a coffeelike beverage.