African agriculture

Agriculture, the engine of sub-Saharan Africa growth, offers the chance to break the cycle of poverty for individuals, communities, nations and not least for the typical African peasant: the female farmer. (Photo: D. Leraand)

Agriculture is at the core of African society, employing the majority of its inhabitants and for many countries providing the major share of export earnings. The agricultural sector is considered the locomotive of economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa, with improved productivity fuelling general development.

Although Africa is a predominantly agricultural continent, chronic hunger is still rampant and one in three Africans are undernourished. Agricultural development in Africa has lagged behind the rest of the world over the past decades, and both an enabling environment and investments are needed to increase output.