Agricultural total factor productivity in Africa: new regional evidence using growth accounting approach

This article provides a comprehensive assessment of total factor productivity (TFP) in African agriculture across 47 countries from 1996 to 2022, using non-parametric growth accounting to evaluate performance and trends over time. The analysis is preceded by a set of stylised facts documenting long-term trends in agricultural performance and factor use across Africa, highlighting persistent input constraints and substantial regional disparities. The paper makes three key contributions. First, it refines the measurement of land, distinguishing irrigated from rainfed systems at the country level, and improves the treatment of labour by using full-time-equivalent inputs, resulting in more precise TFP estimates. Second, it breaks down TFP estimates into five sub-regions to support more detailed comparisons. Third, the time series is extended to 2022, capturing the deceleration in TFP growth observed after 2010. Empirical results reveal heterogeneous TFP trajectories across time and space. The productivity gains recorded during the 1990s and 2000s appear to have weakened after 2010. West Africa exhibits the most dynamic growth, Southern Africa also shows sustained progress, while North Africa maintains a stable performance. In contrast, East Africa records moderate growth, and Central Africa reveals slower and more volatile trends. These findings underscore the need for regionally differentiated and sustainability-oriented agricultural policies that enhance agricultural productivity through innovation, institutional strengthening, and efficient resource use, supporting Africa’s broader development and food security objectives.