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Changing Farm Size Distributions and Agricultural Transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa

Author

Listed:
  • T.S. Jayne

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA)

  • Ayala Wineman

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA)

  • Jordan Chamberlin

    (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Nairobi, Kenya)

  • Milu Muyanga

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA)

  • Felix Kwame Yeboah

    (Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA)

Abstract

We review the literature on the distribution of farm sizes in sub-Saharan Africa, trends over time, drivers of change in farm structure, and effects on agricultural transformation and present new evidence for seven countries. While it is widely viewed that African agriculture is dominated by small-scale farms, we show that medium-scale farms of 5 to 100 hectares are a nontrivial—and rapidly expanding—force that is influencing the nature and pace of food systems transformation in Africa. The increased prevalence of medium-scale holdings is associated with farm labor productivity growth and underappreciated benefits to smallholder farmers. However, the rise of African investor farmers is also contributing to the commodification of land, escalating land prices, and restricted land access for most local people. A better understanding of these trends and linkages, which requires new data collection activities, could help resolve long-standing policy debates and support strategies that accelerate agricultural transformation.

Suggested Citation

  • T.S. Jayne & Ayala Wineman & Jordan Chamberlin & Milu Muyanga & Felix Kwame Yeboah, 2022. "Changing Farm Size Distributions and Agricultural Transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa," Annual Review of Resource Economics, Annual Reviews, vol. 14(1), pages 109-130, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:anr:reseco:v:14:y:2022:p:109-130
    DOI: 10.1146/annurev-resource-111220-025657
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Ma, Meilin, 2023. "Interdependent investments in attached and movable assets under insecure land rights," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    2. Dickson Mgangathweni Mazibuko & Hiroko Gono & Sarvesh Maskey & Hiromu Okazawa & Lameck Fiwa & Hidehiko Kikuno & Tetsu Sato, 2023. "The Sustainable Niche for Vegetable Production within the Contentious Sustainable Agriculture Discourse: Barriers, Opportunities and Future Approaches," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-25, March.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    agricultural transformation; farm size distribution; farm-household surveys; land policy; medium-scale farms;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • Q12 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Micro Analysis of Farm Firms, Farm Households, and Farm Input Markets
    • Q15 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Land Ownership and Tenure; Land Reform; Land Use; Irrigation; Agriculture and Environment
    • Q18 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Agriculture - - - Agricultural Policy; Food Policy; Animal Welfare Policy
    • Q24 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Renewable Resources and Conservation - - - Land
    • R14 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Land Use Patterns

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