Why it's wrong
Often used too broadly to describe African small-scale farming as purely survival-based, disconnected from markets, and lacking growth potential — diminishing the economic importance of smallholder agriculture.
What's actually true
Many African farmers produce food for their households and sell part of their harvest. Smallholders represent about 80% of farms in sub-Saharan Africa and produce roughly 90% of the food in the region. FAO distinguishes between subsistence farming and smallholder farming — many farmers move along that continuum rather than fitting neatly into one category.
Don't say · Say instead
Don't say
“People rely on subsistence farming.”
Say instead
“People rely on smallholder agriculture.”
Shorthand: Smallholder agriculture
Sources
- 01.fao.org
- 02.worldbank.org