Africa – Farming, Crops, Livestock – Britannica

Agricultural Development in Africa: A Focus on Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Agriculture remains the cornerstone of Africa’s economy, employing approximately two-thirds of the continent’s workforce and contributing between 30 to 60 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in various countries. Despite its importance, arable land and land under permanent crops constitute only about 6 percent of Africa’s total land area. This report emphasizes the role of sustainable agricultural practices aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Agricultural Practices and Challenges

1. Subsistence Farming and Land Tenure Systems

   In most African countries, except those with significant European-descended populations such as South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Kenya, agriculture is predominantly subsistence-based. The prevalent system of shifting cultivation involves temporary land use until soil fertility declines, followed by fallow periods for regeneration. Communal land tenure systems often result in small, scattered holdings, limiting agricultural intensity and modernization efforts.

   • Limited capital mobilization for modern farming techniques
   • Concerns over soil erosion and desertification (SDG 15)
   • Efforts to improve productivity through better seeds, mechanization, and fertilizers remain limited
2. Lack of Integration Between Crop Production and Animal Husbandry

   Traditional separation between sedentary farmers and nomadic herdsmen restricts access to draft power and organic fertilizers, impeding sustainable intensification of agriculture. Additionally, pests like the tsetse fly discourage mixed farming practices.

3. Need for Increased Food Production

   Rapid population growth necessitates enhanced food production. Research institutions such as the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Ibadan, Nigeria, focus on developing high-yield and nutritionally improved crop varieties, including genetically enhanced maize strains rich in lysine and tryptophan.

Principal Crops and Sustainable Production

Cereals and Grains

Africa produces major grains including corn (maize), wheat, and rice, with corn being the most widely cultivated across diverse ecological zones. Irrigated regions like Egypt and Indian Ocean islands achieve the highest yields. Millet and sorghum are primarily grown in savanna regions, while rice production has expanded in urbanizing areas.

• Key rice-producing countries: Egypt, Guinea, Senegal, Mali, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Tanzania, Madagascar
• Expansion of wheat cultivation through irrigation in savanna countries such as Nigeria

Legumes and Fodder Crops

Fodder crops are mainly cultivated in subtropical North Africa and highland zones of East and Southern Africa. Protein-rich legumes such as velvet beans, cowpeas, soybeans, and lablab are widely sown, often intercropped with other crops to enhance soil fertility and nutrition (SDG 2, SDG 15).

• Berseem clover grown under irrigation in Egypt and Sudan
• Peanuts cultivated extensively in western Africa for domestic use and export

Tubers and Root Crops

Cassava cultivation has expanded significantly in western and central Africa, replacing yams in many areas and evolving beyond a famine reserve crop. Potatoes are grown in higher elevations and Mediterranean climates, while sweet potatoes and plantains are common in tropical and subtropical zones.

Irrigation Methods in Northern Africa

In the arid regions of northern Africa, various irrigation techniques are utilized to support agriculture, contributing to sustainable water management (SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation):

• Traditional methods such as shadoofs and water scoops
• Modern pumps and mechanized irrigation systems

Conclusion and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Africa’s agricultural sector faces challenges related to land tenure, low productivity, and environmental degradation. However, ongoing research, improved crop varieties, and sustainable irrigation practices contribute to achieving several SDGs:

• SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Enhancing food security through improved crop yields and nutrition
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): Supporting employment in agriculture and rural development
• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Promoting sustainable farming practices and resource use
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): Combating desertification and preserving soil fertility
• SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Implementing efficient irrigation methods to conserve water

Strategic investments and policy reforms focusing on sustainable agriculture are essential to meet the continent’s growing food demands while preserving natural resources for future generations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article discusses agriculture as a vital economic activity in Africa, focusing on increasing food production, improving crop varieties, and addressing subsistence farming challenges.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty – Since agriculture provides employment for about two-thirds of Africa’s working population and contributes significantly to GDP and exports, improving agricultural productivity is linked to poverty reduction.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The article mentions concerns about soil erosion and desertification linked to agricultural practices, highlighting the need for sustainable land use.
4. SDG 15: Life on Land – Issues such as desertification, soil erosion, and land tenure systems relate to sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems.
5. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – The article references research and development of improved crop varieties and mechanization efforts.
6. SDG 13: Climate Action (implied) – Desertification and land degradation have climate implications, suggesting relevance to climate resilience.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2 Targets:
   • 2.1 – End hunger and ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food all year round.
   • 2.3 – Double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
   • 2.4 – Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices.
2. SDG 1 Targets:
   • 1.2 – Reduce at least by half the proportion of people living in poverty in all its dimensions.
3. SDG 12 Targets:
   • 12.2 – Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
4. SDG 15 Targets:
   • 15.3 – Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil.
   • 15.1 – Ensure conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
5. SDG 9 Targets:
   • 9.5 – Enhance scientific research, upgrade technological capabilities of industrial sectors.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Agricultural Employment and Productivity: Employment of two-thirds of the working population in agriculture and contribution to GDP (30-60%) can be used as indicators of economic reliance and productivity.
2. Crop Yield and Production Levels: Mention of yields per acre for cereals (corn, wheat, rice) and the development of high-yield and nutritionally improved crop varieties (e.g., high-lysine corn) imply indicators related to crop yield per hectare and nutritional quality.
3. Land Use and Management: Percentage of arable land (6% of total land area), land tenure systems, and extent of irrigation are indicators related to land use efficiency and sustainable management.
4. Soil Health and Desertification: References to soil erosion and desertification suggest indicators measuring land degradation and restoration progress.
5. Research and Innovation Outputs: Development of improved crop varieties and mechanization efforts imply indicators on agricultural research outputs and adoption rates of improved technologies.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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