What is the world's most pressing problem?
Many answers. Increasing agricultural productivity across Sub-Saharan Africa makes it into my top five.
It's vital to reduce hunger, poverty and biodiversity loss.
My latest post: ourworldindata.org/africa-yields-…
Labor productivity in agriculture across Sub-Saharan Africa (and most countries in the region – obviously there is significant heterogeneity) is very low.
Most work in farming and earn very little.
To reduce poverty, labor productivity has to increase
1/
Crop yields have increased in many countries in recent decades, but are still very low.
Yields lag behind other regions, and are a small % of attainable yields.
To preserve natural habitat, yields need to increase.
2/
Compare cereal production in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia since 1980.
Both regions significantly increased production. But through very different pathways.
South Asia increased yields. SSA through using more land.
3/
We know that it's possible to increase agricultural productivity.
Most countries have been through this process: large % working in agriculture; low labor productivity; low yields.
4/
Countries across Sub-Saharan Africa will need large increases in food production in the coming decades.
To do this while reducing hunger, poverty & protecting biodiversity, agricultural productivity will be vital.
That's why I think it's one of the most pressing problems.
/end
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