Why agricultural production in sub-Saharan Africa remains low compared to the rest of the world - a historical perspective

• Published in: International journal of water resources development Vol. 36; no. sup1; pp. S20 - S53
• Main Authors: Bjornlund, Vibeke, Bjornlund, Henning, Van Rooyen, Andre F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Guildford Routledge 01.10.2020; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Agricultural production; climate; Crops; Economic development; Economics; exports; Farming systems; Food security; historical perspective; resource extraction; Slavery; Soil; Soil quality; Sub-Saharan Africa; Trade; water; Wealth; Sub-Saharan Africa; Africa

Agricultural production in sub-Saharan Africa has, in recent times, remained lower than the rest of the world. Many attribute this to factors inherent to Africa and its people, such as climate, soil quality, slavery and disease. This article traces the role of agriculture through history and argues...