Factors that contributed to the decline in agricultural growth in Africa
Discussed below are four factors that have had major impacts on smallholder farmers in Africa. Acting together, they have left the vast majority of Africa's small farmers saddled with low-productivity technologies, poor transport and market access, limited and costly access to modern inputs, and considerable exposure to the vagaries of weather and market shocks. The outcome of all these factors is that large numbers of Africa's small farmers are now trapped in poverty. Breaking out of these poverty traps will require a major rethink on a package of public investments and policy changes that can help unlock the potential of African agriculture.