Opinion | Unproductive Agriculture Is Holding Africa Back
Opinion | Unproductive Agriculture Is Holding Africa Back The New York Times
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Agricultural Progress in Sub-Saharan Africa
Introduction
Africa south of the Sahara is producing more than six times as much food as it did in 1961. That’s a much bigger increase than that of the world as a whole, which has merely quadrupled agricultural output, as this chart shows. From this data alone, sub-Saharan Africa seems to be an agricultural success story.
Chart 1: Agricultural Output
Challenges in Total Factor Productivity
The next chart, though, gives a much darker picture. It shows sub-Saharan Africa badly trailing the world as a whole in improvements in total factor productivity of agriculture. Total factor productivity measures how much output increases over and above what one would expect from increased inputs of land, labor and machinery.
Chart 2: Total Factor Productivity
Analysis
What these two charts tell us is that while Africa is increasing its output of crops, livestock and so on, it’s managing to do so only by massively increasing its inputs. That means many more farmers and much more land under cultivation or pasture. It’s better than if farm output hadn’t increased at all, but it’s not what the subcontinent needs to get ahead economically.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The classic story of economic development is that farmers become more efficient, which frees up their children to work in factories. The increase in factory output enriches the population, generating more demand for food. And the factories produce farm machinery that makes farmers even more efficient. Improvements in agriculture and industry reinforce each other in an upward spiral.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, particularly women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers.
- SDG 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 percent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries.
- SDG 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator for SDG 2.3: Agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers.
- Indicator for SDG 8.1: Gross domestic product growth rate.
- Indicator for SDG 9.2: Industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | SDG 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, particularly women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers. | Agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | SDG 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 percent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries. | Gross domestic product growth rate. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | SDG 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries. | Industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product. |
Explanation:
The article discusses the agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa and its impact on economic development. The issues highlighted in the article are connected to multiple SDGs:
1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
The article mentions the increase in food production in sub-Saharan Africa, indicating progress towards SDG 2. This goal aims to ensure access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food for all people. The increase in agricultural output contributes to addressing hunger and food security.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The article discusses the need for increased efficiency in agriculture to drive economic growth. SDG 8 focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The article highlights the importance of improving productivity to create economic opportunities and decent work.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
The article mentions the role of industry in supporting agricultural productivity. SDG 9 aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. The article emphasizes the need for industry to produce farm machinery that can make farmers more efficient.
Based on the content of the article, specific targets under these SDGs can be identified:
1. SDG 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, particularly women, indigenous peoples, family farmers, pastoralists, and fishers.
The article highlights the need for increased agricultural productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. This target specifically focuses on doubling the productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, which aligns with the challenges and opportunities discussed in the article.
2. SDG 8.1: Sustain per capita economic growth in accordance with national circumstances and, in particular, at least 7 percent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries.
The article emphasizes the importance of economic growth and efficiency in agriculture to drive overall economic development. This target aims to sustain per capita economic growth, with a specific focus on achieving at least 7 percent gross domestic product growth per annum in the least developed countries, including those in sub-Saharan Africa.
3. SDG 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and, by 2030, significantly raise industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, in line with national circumstances, and double its share in least developed countries.
The article mentions the role of industry in supporting agricultural productivity and efficiency. This target focuses on promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, raising industry’s share of employment and gross domestic product, and doubling its share in least developed countries. The article highlights the need for industry to produce farm machinery that can enhance agricultural productivity.
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: nytimes.com
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