Abstract

This paper provides the general information on sugarcane production in relation to its sustainability. The paper starts by discussing sugarcane production at global, continental and national level. Challenges in the sugarcane production arena in South Africa are discussed; these bounce on the poor standard of farming by local commercial farmers and the competitiveness of the industry at the global perspective. Then, it outlines and describes in details the five pillars of suitable agriculture as they apply in sugarcane production. It then ends by highlighting the corporate social responsibility and social acceptance of the sugarcane industry in South Africa which include training and capacity building of locals in elementary and professional skills in sugarcane production.

Key words: Sustainability, production, industry, economic viability, social acceptance.