Why Smart Agricultural Development Is Needed in Africa’s Savannas

Igor Heifetz ・ High Meadows Environmental Institute

Sub-Saharan Africa is the world’s most rapidly growing region. By 2050, the continent’s population will double and per capita GDP income will triple. This combination of people and prosperity means that Africa’s food needs will quadruple. We estimate that satisfying this increased demand will require at least 140 million hectares of new farmland, even if crop yields grow at the high rates predicted by the Food and Agricultural Organisation.