Côte d’Ivoire agriculture: growth, challenges and policy impact

The Côte d’Ivoire stands out as one of West Africa’s most vibrant economies, a reputation rooted deeply in its agricultural sector. At the time of independence, agriculture accounted for nearly half of the country’s GDP. While its share has since declined to 15.9% in 2024, the sector remains a critical employer, engaging 46% of the workforce directly. Agricultural exports further bolster the nation’s trade surplus, contributing 51.5% of total exports in 2025.

Poverty rates are significantly higher in rural areas, where 54.4% of the population lives below the poverty line compared to the national average of 37.5%. Employment in these regions is predominantly tied to farming activities. Shockingly, approximately 90% of farmers fall within the lowest income decile in Côte d’Ivoire, with 60% of cocoa producers living below the national poverty threshold.

Agriculture in Côte d’Ivoire thrives on high-value cash crops such as cocoa and cashew nuts, where the country ranks as the world’s top producer of both. It also holds the third position globally in natural rubber production. However, the nation still relies heavily on imports for essential food items like cereals and fish, which form the backbone of urban diets. The local food production system remains fragmented, largely informal, and struggles with limited market access for small-scale farmers.