Thread by @_HannahRitchie

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