Agriculture is a major source of income in Africa; however, untapped agricultural potential has contributed to persistent poverty and deteriorating food security, resulting in a projected increase in the number of undernourished people from ~240m in 2015 to ~320m by 2025.
The agricultural economy employs 65–70 percent of Africa’s labour force and typically accounts for 30–40 percent of GDP, according to the World Bank. Despite challenges like climate change and land degradation, Africa’s vast farmlands hold immense potential for food security and investment for both the continent’s inhabitants and others around the world.
Of the continent’s 55 countries, Sudan has the largest agricultural land area at 112.6 million hectares. South Africa and Nigeria follow with 96.3 and 69.8 million hectares, respectively. In fourth place is Chad, with 50.3 million hectares, while Niger rounds out the top five with 46.5 million hectares.
- Sudan – 112.6 million hectares
- South Africa – 96.3 million hectares
- Nigeria – 69.8 million hectares
- Chad – 50.3 million hectares
- Niger – 46.5 million hectares
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** Source: African Development Bank Group; World Bank; Business Insider Africa
