Agriculture: The Backbone of the African Economy

Abstract

Agricultural production, of both crop and animal husbandry, has been part and parcel of the livelihoods of African societies since about 8,000 BCE (Before the Common Era). The early focus was on the production of cereals (such as wheat, millet, and sorghum) and root crops (especially yams). There was also a transition towards the domestication of wild animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, and camels. Such transitions occurred in different phases in various parts of the continent. To date, agriculture remains the backbone of most sub-Saharan African economies, contributing an average of about 25 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This exploratory research examines the role of agriculture as the backbone of the African economy.