Rural revolution - wheat, wool and politics in the Overberg

Abstract

During the nineteenth century, the districts of Swellendam, Caledon and Bredasdorp, known collectively as the Overberg, failed to produce a commercially viable grain crop. With the rapid decrease in the size of farms, extensive cattle and sheep herding was no longer possible. Had it not boon for the swing to the wool producing Merino between c.1830 and 1840 impoverishment among the agricultural population would have reached far greater proportions. Owing to the fine wool produced in the area, the Overberg became an agriculturally and economically stable area. The flow of new capital to the area failed to convert its towns into large commercial centres, but the marked increase in income to farmers had a profound effect on Afrikaner political awareness in the area.