Agriculture remains a vital sector in most African economies, serving as the primary source of livelihood for many. Despite advancements in other industries, agriculture continues to be the largest employer in Africa, especially in rural areas. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 2024 Statistical Yearbook, the number of people working in agriculture globally has decreased by 13% between 2000 and 2022, with Africa and Asia seeing a slight increase in agricultural employment from 2019 to 2020.
The FAO report emphasizes the significant role of agriculture in Africa, with nearly two-thirds of the population engaged in agrifood systems. Various African nations heavily rely on agriculture for economic growth, employment, and exports. Countries like Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Kenya have a significant portion of their GDP and workforce engaged in agriculture. Ghana, Tanzania, and Côte d’Ivoire depend on cash crops like cocoa, coffee, and tea for foreign exchange, while Malawi, Sudan, and Uganda rely on agriculture for employment and exports.
Despite efforts to diversify economies, agriculture remains a crucial driver of development across the continent. The FAO Statistical Yearbook 2024 lists the top 10 African nations with the highest agricultural employment, with Ethiopia leading the list with 36.2 million employed out of a population of 132.5 million, resulting in an employment ratio of 28.5%. Tanzania and Uganda also show strong workforce participation in agriculture, while Nigeria and DR Congo have lower employment ratios due to economic instability and large informal sectors.
These figures underscore the disparities in employment opportunities across African nations, with some countries facing challenges like youth unemployment. Despite these challenges, agriculture continues to play a vital role in Africa’s economy and remains a crucial sector for sustainable development.
