Importance of agriculture to the economy
Agricultural production is the mainstay of the economy. In 1991, it accounted for 40.2% of the GDP and employed 57.8% of the labour force. About 80% of the population is dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. It is estimated that the livestock sector accounts for 33% of national income, rainfed traditional agriculture for 25%, irrigated agriculture for 25%, rainfed mechanized agriculture for 12% and forestry and fisheries for 5%. Crop production consists primarily of food grain, sorghum, millet, wheat, sesame, groundnuts and cotton. The livestock population consists of about 21 million cattle, 20 million sheep, 14 million goats and 2.6 million camels. Livestock production is carried out mainly through nomadic pastoralism using traditional practices. Self-sufficiency in food production and food security are important elements in the economic strategy of the country.
Sectoral Contributions to GDP and Employment, 1991/92
Source: Europa World Yearbook, 1994
