AGRICULTURE-THE BACKBONE OF THE AFRICAN ECONOMY

Agricultural production, of both crop and animal husbandry, has been part and parcel of the livelihoods of African societies since about 8,000 BCE (Before the Common Era).

- DR. PAUL CHIUDZA BANDA*

Introduction and Background

The early focus was on the production of cereals (such as wheat, millet, and sorghum) and root crops (especially yams). There was also a transition towards the domestication of wild animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, and camels. Such transitions occurred in different phases in various parts of the continent. To date, agriculture remains the backbone of most sub-Saharan African economies, contributing an average of about 25 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Since its inception, agricultural production has had significant impacts on African economies. In the early years, the impacts include: (a) helped African societies to living in larger and more permanent settlements; (b) led to the significant increase in population, mainly due to the abundance of food supply; (c) the development of sophisticated tools, such as the stone axe; and (d) settled societies also began to require forms of social organization, cooperation, and planning. Furthermore, those that produced surplus food often had the liberty to do trade with other trading partners. Such activities often led to the establishment of administrative structures and authorities, now known as “chiefs,” in most parts of the continent.

Agricultural production and African economies during the colonial era

From the last quarter of the 19th century to the mid-1960s, most African countries as we know them today (except for Liberia), were placed under European colonial rule. The major European powers involved included Great Britain, France, Belgium, Portugal, and Germany. These were involved in the “the scramble and partition of Africa,” whose climax was the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885. It was in Berlin where the modern boundaries of the various states in the continent were drawn.