Africa's Economic Future Depends on Its Farms

When the economies of Nigeria and South Africa recently rebounded, it wasn't oil or minerals that did the trick. It was agriculture. Faster and more sustainable agricultural growth is crucial not only to the continent's economy, but also to its ability to feed and employ its surging population.

Agriculture still accounts for a quarter of gross domestic product and as much as two-thirds of employment in sub-Saharan Africa. In fact, agricultural growth has the biggest impact on non-farm income and reducing poverty.