Evidence from Asia suggests that agricultural growth, through a network of consumption and production linkages, can generate sizable income and employment multipliers in the rural nonfarm economy. In Asia, these linkages have proven beneficial for poverty alleviation as well as national economic growth. But much less is known about these relationships in rural Africa. By reviewing a wealth of survey material that has emerged in recent years, this paper examines the size and nature of farm-nonfarm linkages in rural Africa. In doing so, it documents the extent, composition, spatial density, and growth patterns of the rural nonfarm economy as well as policies that are likely to enhance its role in the development process.
Journal articles from the Grassland Society of Southern Africa (GSSA) African Journal of Range and Forage Science as well as related articles and reports from throughout the southern African region.