WILLAGRI
Food production in sub-Saharan Africa has increased six-fold since 1961, but this increase is due to a massive increase in inputs and inputs (fertilizers, land, labor, machinery), rather than an improvement in productivity. Improving agricultural productivity is key to freeing up farm workers for other sectors like industry, which could boost economic development. Enock Chikava emphasizes that innovation, extension (dissemination of innovations to farmers) and market incentives are the keys to improving agricultural productivity. Progress is being made with new crop varieties such as cassava and digital tools to inform farmers, but challenges remain. Land tenure systems in Africa push some farmers to exploit their land solely to maintain their rights, which limits their effectiveness. Rural-to-urban exodus and urban opportunities are turning farmers away, slowing the development of a productivity spiral like that seen in other parts of the world.