Africa is often stereotyped as a starving continent that can not provide for its own people. Images and stories of emaciated children with flies on their faces are a common narrative in the West. African countries do have their share of challenges, but there are several countries that are becoming agricultural powerhouses and are able to produce large harvests for home and for export. Let us look at a few of the top agricultural producers in Africa.
The countries below produce a wide variety of agricultural products, including cereals, fruits, vegetables, livestock, and fish. The agricultural sector is a major contributor to the economies of these countries, and it plays an important role in food security and poverty reduction.
Egypt
Egypt is the largest agricultural producer in Africa, accounting for about 15% of the continent’s total agricultural production. Egypt is a major producer of cereals, fruits, vegetables, and livestock. Egypt is also a major exporter of agricultural products, and it is the world’s leading exporter of cotton.
Ethiopia
Ethiopia is the second-largest agricultural producer in Africa, accounting for about 12% of the continent’s total agricultural production. The country is a major producer of grains, coffee, and livestock. Ethiopia is also a major exporter of agricultural products, and it is a leading exporter of coffee.
Nigeria
Nigeria is the third-largest agricultural producer in Africa, accounting for about 10% of the continent’s total agricultural production. The country is a major producer of cassava, groundnuts, beans, and livestock. Nigeria is also a major exporter of agricultural products, and it is the world’s leading producer of yams.
South Africa
South Africa is the fourth-largest agricultural producer in Africa, accounting for about 8% of the continent’s total agricultural production. The country is a major producer of rice, wheat, soybeans, livestock, and wine. South Africa is also a major exporter of agricultural products and a leading exporter of maize.
Sudan
Sudan is the fifth-largest agricultural producer in Africa, accounting for about 7% of the continent’s total agricultural production. The country is a major producer of cotton, groundnuts, sesame, and sorghum. Sudan is also a major exporter of gum arabic.
Tanzania
Tanzania is the sixth-largest agricultural producer in Africa, accounting for about 6% of the continent’s total agricultural production. The country is a major producer of maize, bananas, sugar cane, and coffee. Tanzania is also a major exporter of sisal.
Uganda
Uganda is the seventh-largest agricultural producer in Africa, accounting for about 5% of the continent’s total agricultural production. The country is a major producer of cotton, tea, tobacco, and livestock. Uganda is also a major exporter of coffee.
Zambia
Zambia is the eighth-largest agricultural producer in Africa, accounting for about 4% of the continent’s total agricultural production. The country is a major producer of maize, sugar, tobacco, and livestock. Zambia is also a top exporter of copper.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is the ninth-largest agricultural producer in Africa, accounting for about 3% of the continent’s total agricultural production. The country is a major producer of beans, groundnuts, and sorghum. Zimbabwe is also a leading exporter of tobacco.
Mozambique
Mozambique is the tenth-largest agricultural producer in Africa, accounting for about 2% of the continent’s total agricultural production. The country is a major producer of rice, cassava, maize, and sorghum. Mozambique is also a major producer of fish and shrimp.
Africa is poised to be a global agricultural powerhouse if policy and investment continue. Africa has vast fertile land and a young population eager to progress. There needs to be a shift from subsistence farming to commercial production which will enable African countries to feed themselves and the world.
