Agricultural Productivity and Structural Transformation: Evidence and Questions for African Development
This paper summarises findings from the literature on agricultural productivity and structural transformation and identifies further research
Abstract
This paper summarises key findings from the recent literature on agricultural productivity and structural transformation and then identifies priority areas for further research. The paper discusses the macro relevance of agricultural productivity for growth and structural transformation. New theory and data have underscored the importance of agricultural productivity as a proximate cause for low aggregate productivity in the world’s poorest countries, including many in sub-Saharan Africa. Evidence has also emerged on the importance of agricultural productivity growth as a driver of development and growth in the past. But micro evidence and changes in the global context suggest that today’s low-income countries may face a different set of challenges in the years ahead.
This is an output of the Structural Transformation and Economic Growth (STEG) programme
Citation
Gollin, D. (2021) “Agricultural Productivity and Structural Transformation: Evidence and Questions for African Development” STEG Pathfinding Paper