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As of 2024, Sudan was the North African country with the highest contribution share of the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector to the gross domestic product (GDP), with this industry constituting around **** percent of the economy. Overall, the agriculture sector plays a vital role within the North African countries, contributing at least **** percent to each national GDP of the region. The only exception was Libya, where agricultural activities only made up *** percent of the GDP, respectively. In Sudan, the contribution of agriculture to GDP dropped sharply between 2021 and 2023, largely due to climate-related challenges and the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces since April 2023. However, in 2024, the share rebounded to over ** percent, likely because the war severely weakened the industrial and service sectors, shrinking overall GDP and making agriculture’s relative share appear larger. Additionally, as urban jobs disappeared, many Sudanese turned to rural areas and subsistence farming, boosting informal agricultural activity.

Agriculture and Economics

Across Africa, agriculture is a core pillar of the economy, representing ** percent of Sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP in 2023, led by Niger and Comoros. In addition to its economic presence, the sector also plays an important role in contributing to the job market. In fact, the number of people employed in agriculture in the continent reached almost *** million in 2023. While Central and Western Africa boasted large shares of the agricultural workforce, North Africa recorded the lowest share of employment in the industry, due to the region’s heavy reliance on industrial and service sectors. 

Harvest and Land  

The primary crops grown in Africa are roots and tubers, along with cereals. In fact, Egypt and Morocco led the North African region in 2023, with the highest amounts of cereals produced. Within the continent, Sudan and South Africa possess the largest agricultural land areas, with around *** million and **** million hectares, respectively. However, Burundi dedicated the largest share of land to growing crops at ** percent, with Rwanda following close behind at ** percent.