Africa’s agricultural success in this modern era of technological innovation is transforming the long-held narrative of a continent plagued by hunger and starvation. Gradually, Africa is emerging as a global powerhouse in food production.
Global production of primary crops reached approximately 9.5 billion tonnes in 2021, reflecting a 54 per cent increase from 2000 to 2021. However, in 2022, despite rising food production, 783 million people globally faced hunger, underscoring the persistent disparity between food availability and accessibility. The agricultural sector employed 873 million people in 2021, representing 27 per cent of global employment, down from 40 per cent in 2000.
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In Africa, agriculture remains a vital contributor to national economies. Between 2020 and 2022, Sierra Leone led the continent with agriculture accounting for over 60 per cent of its GDP. Niger and Ethiopia followed, with contributions of approximately 42 per cent and 38 per cent, respectively.
South Africa and Sudan boast the largest agricultural landholdings on the continent, cultivating approximately 113 million and 96.3 million hectares of land, respectively. The volume and diversity of agricultural outputs vary significantly across African nations. Cereals—such as rice, maize, and wheat—are staple crops and dominate agricultural production.
Ethiopia, Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa are the leading producers of cereals, collectively yielding around 100 million metric tonnes in 2021. Additionally, Tanzania, Madagascar, Egypt, and Nigeria are the continent’s main rice producers.
Rice plays a crucial role in Africa’s economy, not only as a staple food but also as a driver of trade, income generation, and agricultural market expansion. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rice Outlook report projects global rice trade will reach 52.85 million tonnes by 2024, marking a growth of 345,000 tonnes compared to earlier forecasts.
Recognising the significance of rice, many African nations have prioritised its production in their development agendas to boost self-sufficiency and reduce dependency on imports. In countries such as Senegal and Nigeria, increasing domestic rice production is seen as a cornerstone for fostering economic growth and ensuring food security.
Despite this, Africa remains heavily reliant on rice imports, with annual imports of milled rice reaching 12.6 million tonnes at a staggering cost of $5.5 billion. Côte d’Ivoire is the continent’s largest rice importer, spending $722.1 million annually, followed by South Africa and Benin, with imports valued at $634.7 million and $653.4 million, respectively. Notably, Nigeria’s imports are significantly lower, amounting to just $191,000.
Africa has the potential to assert itself as a global leader in agriculture by harnessing technology, investing in agricultural research and development (R&D), and adopting sustainable farming practices. With its abundant resources and untapped opportunities, the continent is poised for an agricultural renaissance, contributing not only to its own food security but also to feeding the world.
