Agriculture

The Challenge

Development assistance for agriculture has declined over the last two decades, leaving many poor countries more vulnerable to hunger and poverty. In sub-Saharan Africa especially, agriculture has been plagued by low productivity and under-investment, making it difficult for Africans to feed themselves and earn an income from farming. The spike in food prices in 2008 jeopardized even more people in poor countries as the price of imported foods such as rice, wheat, and corn peaked. This, coupled with the global financial crisis, resulted in a devastating economic impact on poor families, who often spend at least half of their income on food. It is estimated that between 2008 and 2009 the number of hungry people around the world rose by 100 million, bringing the total number to approximately 1.02 billion.

The Opportunity

Investing in agriculture can be transformative, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where the sector employs nearly two-thirds of the population and accounts for an average one-third of GDP. The World Bank estimates that growth in the agricultural sector is twice as effective at reducing poverty as growth in other sectors. This investment will help the world's poorest people earn their way out of poverty. In addition to fueling economic growth, investment in agriculture will also enable the world's poorest countries to better feed their people and withstand future shocks from changing global food prices, weather patterns, and financial crises.

In addition to food aid, tools such as fertilizer and seeds are urgently needed to help communities deal with immediate food security challenges. Safety-nets like cash-for-work programs are also needed to ensure that the poorest families do not descend further into poverty. In the long-term, food security and economic growth will require significant investments in agriculture and rural development. With better infrastructure, improved technology and training, and access to financial services, farmers could benefit from increased crop yields and stronger connections to domestic, regional, and international markets.

Learn more, read the full Agriculture Issue Brief...