Average Age of Farmers in Africa
By Juma Msafiri
The average age of farmers in Africa is a topic of increasing concern. Some sources report the average age to be as high as 60, but this is often based on outdated data that only considers the age of household heads1. As the continent’s population grows and the demand for food rises, there are concerns about the sustainability of the agricultural sector, given the perception that many young people are leaving the countryside for urban areas. However, recent research suggests that the average age of farmers in Africa is lower than commonly perceived, challenging the narrative of young people abandoning agriculture2. This report examines the average age of farmers across all African countries, drawing on data from various sources, including national surveys, reports from international organizations, and academic studies.
Research Methodology
To determine the average age of farmers in Africa, the research was conducted in the following steps:
- Identify African Countries: A comprehensive list of all recognized African countries was compiled to provide a clear scope for the study and ensure that the analysis is representative of the entire continent. This list was compiled using sources such as 3, and 5.
- Gather Data on Farmer Demographics: Reports, studies, and data specifically focusing on the age of farmers in Africa were collected to provide a comprehensive understanding of the demographics of the agricultural sector. This included information from organizations like the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) 6 and the World Bank7.
- Obtain Country-Level Data: Individual country-level data on the average age of farmers was gathered for each African country, where available, to allow for a more granular analysis and to identify any regional variations in age trends8.
- Analyze Data: The collected data was analyzed to determine the overall average age of a farmer in Africa and to identify any trends or patterns in the age distribution.
- Consider Influencing Factors: Factors that might influence the average age of farmers in different regions or countries, such as economic development, urbanization, and agricultural practices, were considered to provide a more nuanced understanding of the forces shaping the demographics of the agricultural sector9.
Average Age of Farmers in African Countries
The average age of farmers in Africa varies significantly across countries2. This variation is likely influenced by a variety of factors, such as economic development, government policies, and access to technology9. The table below presents the average age of farmers for each African country, where available:
| Country | Average Age of Farmers | Source(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Algeria | Over 60 (37% of farmers over 60 years old) | 11 |
| Angola | 34 | 1 |
| Benin | 45 | 12 |
| Botswana | Over 40 | 1 |
| Burkina Faso | Under 25 | 13 |
| Burundi | 34 | 1 |
| Cabo Verde | 34 | 1 |
| Cameroon | 36 | 14 |
| Central African Republic | 34 | 1 |
| Chad | 34 | 1 |
| Comoros | Not available | |
| Côte d’Ivoire | 48 | 15 |
| Democratic Republic of the Congo | 34 (all individuals engaged in agriculture) | 1 |
| Djibouti | 34 | 1 |
| Egypt | 34 | 17 |
| Equatorial Guinea | 34 | 1 |
| Eritrea | 34 | 1 |
| Eswatini | 20 (farm workers) | 18 |
| Ethiopia | 34 | 1 |
| Gabon | 34 | 1 |
| Gambia | 45-65 (holders) | 19 |
| Ghana | 55 | 20 |
| Guinea | 34 | 1 |
| Guinea-Bissau | 34 | 17 |
| Kenya | 61 | 22 |
| Lesotho | 34 | 1 |
| Liberia | Over 55 | 23 |
| Libya | 34 | 1 |
| Madagascar | 44 | 24 |
| Malawi | 60 | 25 |
| Mali | 34 | 1 |
| Mauritania | 34 | 1 |
| Mauritius | 34 | 1 |
| Morocco | 34 | 1 |
| Mozambique | 34 | 1 |
| Namibia | 34 | 1 |
| Niger | 34 | 1 |
| Nigeria | 45 (all individuals in farming) | 1 |
| Republic of the Congo | 34 | 1 |
| Rwanda | 44 | 26 |
| Sao Tome and Principe | 34 | 17 |
| Senegal | 32-39 (agricultural workforce) | 27 |
| Seychelles | Over 50 (70% of farmers over 50 years old) | 28 |
| Sierra Leone | 46 | 29 |
| Somalia | 34 | 1 |
| South Africa | 62 | 8 |
| South Sudan | 34 | 17 |
| Sudan | 36 (household heads) | 30 |
| Tanzania | 40 | 17 |
| Togo | 34 | 1 |
| Tunisia | Over 40 (75% of farmers over 40 years old) | 31 |
| Uganda | 54 | 33 |
| Western Sahara | 34 | 1 |
| Zambia | 34 | 1 |
| Zimbabwe | 20-31 (youth farmers) | 34 |
It is important to note that the available data on the average age of farmers in Africa is limited, and there is significant variation in the reported ages. This is due in part to differences in data collection methodologies and definitions of “farmer” across studies and countries.
Factors Influencing the Average Age of Farmers
Several factors influence the average age of farmers in Africa. These can be broadly categorized as economic factors, demographic factors, social and cultural factors, and environmental factors.
| Factor | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Development | Economic factors, such as low profitability and limited opportunities for economic advancement in the agricultural sector, can discourage young people from pursuing farming as a career. | In many African countries, agriculture is primarily a subsistence activity, with limited access to markets, credit, and technology, which can make it difficult for young people to earn a living from farming36. |
| Urbanization | Demographic factors, such as the increasing migration of young people from rural to urban areas in search of better economic opportunities and living conditions, contribute to an ageing farming population in many African countries. | The rapid growth of cities in Africa is drawing young people away from rural areas, leading to a decline in the number of young people engaged in agriculture37. |
| Agricultural Practices | Social and cultural factors, such as traditional farming practices that are often labor-intensive and low-yielding, can make farming less appealing to young people who may prefer less physically demanding and more technology-driven occupations. | The continued reliance on manual labor and traditional tools in many African countries can make farming less attractive to young people who are seeking more modern and efficient ways of working38. |
| Access to Land and Resources | Economic factors, such as limited access to land, credit, and other resources, can be a barrier for young people who want to enter the agricultural sector, as they may lack the capital or collateral needed to start their own farms or invest in new technologies. | Unequal land distribution, insecure land tenure systems, and limited access to financial services can make it difficult for young people to acquire the resources they need to become successful farmers39. |
| Education and Training | Social and cultural factors, such as inadequate access to education and training in modern agricultural techniques, can make it harder for young people to compete in the evolving agricultural sector, which is increasingly demanding specialized skills and knowledge. | The lack of agricultural schools, training programs, and extension services in many African countries can limit the opportunities for young people to acquire the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in modern agriculture40. |
| Gender | Social and cultural factors, such as gender norms and inequalities, can influence the average age of farmers, as women often face greater challenges than men in accessing land, credit, and other resources needed for agricultural production. | In many African societies, women are the primary caregivers and household managers, which can limit their time and ability to engage in agricultural activities, even when they have the skills and knowledge to do so41. |
| Climate Change | Environmental factors, such as the increasing frequency and severity of droughts, floods, and other climate-related shocks, can disrupt agricultural production, reduce yields, and make farming a less viable livelihood option, potentially discouraging young people from entering or remaining in the sector. | The impacts of climate change are already being felt in many African countries, with increased variability in rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and more frequent extreme weather events, all of which can negatively affect agricultural production and make farming a more risky and less predictable livelihood option. |
| Government Policies | Economic and political factors, such as government policies that favor large-scale commercial agriculture over smallholder farming, can create an uneven playing field and make it harder for young people to enter or remain in the agricultural sector. | Subsidies, tax breaks, and other incentives that are directed towards large agribusinesses can disadvantage smallholder farmers, many of whom are young people, and make it more difficult for them to compete in the market. |
| Access to Technology | Economic and social factors, such as limited access to modern agricultural technologies, including machinery, irrigation systems, and improved seeds, can hinder productivity and make farming less efficient and less attractive to young people who may be seeking more technology-driven occupations. | The high cost of machinery, the lack of access to electricity and internet connectivity in many rural areas, and the limited availability of improved seeds and other inputs can all limit the adoption of modern agricultural technologies and make farming less appealing to young people. |
Implications for the Future of Agriculture in Africa
The findings of this report have significant implications for the future of agriculture in Africa. The relatively young age of farmers in many African countries suggests that there is potential for a generational renewal in the agricultural sector. However, this potential will only be realized if governments and development partners invest in creating opportunities for young people to engage in agriculture in a way that is both economically viable and environmentally sustainable. This includes addressing the factors that discourage young people from farming, such as low profitability, limited access to land and resources, and inadequate education and training.
Furthermore, the increasing average age of farmers in some African countries, such as South Africa, Kenya, and Liberia, raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector in those countries. An ageing farming population can lead to a decline in agricultural productivity, as older farmers may be less able to adopt new technologies or adapt to changing climate conditions. This can have negative consequences for food security and economic development.
Conclusion
The average age of farmers in Africa is a complex issue with significant implications for the continent’s food security and economic development. While the available data is limited, there is evidence that the average age of farmers is increasing in many African countries. This trend is driven by a variety of factors, including economic development, urbanization, and agricultural practices. Addressing these factors and creating opportunities for young people to engage in agriculture will be crucial to ensuring the sustainability of the agricultural sector in Africa.
It is important to note that the available data on the average age of farmers in Africa is limited, and there is significant variation in the reported ages. This is due in part to differences in data collection methodologies and definitions of “farmer” across studies and countries. Further research is needed to provide a more comprehensive and accurate picture of the age distribution of farmers in Africa and to better understand the factors influencing this trend.
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