Agriculture in Low and Middle-Income Countries

Agriculture remains a critical sector for economic growth and poverty reduction in Low and Middle-Income Countries:

• It accounts for 4% of global GDP but can represent over 25% of GDP in least developed countries.
• Growth in agriculture is 2-4 times more effective at raising incomes among the poorest compared to other sectors.
• In low-income countries, an average of 59% of people worked in agriculture in 2019, compared to 38% in lower-middle-income countries.

However, agriculture in LMICs faces significant challenges:

• Climate change threatens crop yields, especially in food-insecure regions.
• Small-scale farmers often lack access to resources, technology, and markets.
• Food systems in LMICs contribute to about 30% of greenhouse gas emissions.

Research is focusing on improving productivity and sustainability of smallholder farming, developing climate-resilient agricultural practices, and strengthening links between small-scale producers and markets.