Côte d’Ivoire stands out as one of West Africa’s most vibrant economies, a growth trajectory deeply rooted in its agricultural sector. At the time of independence, agriculture accounted for nearly half of the country’s GDP. By 2024, its contribution had declined to 15.9%, yet the sector continues to employ 46% of the workforce directly. Agricultural exports remain a cornerstone of the nation’s trade balance, representing 51.5% of total exports in 2025.
The disparity between urban and rural prosperity is striking. Poverty rates in rural areas soar to 54.4%, significantly surpassing the national average of 37.5%. Employment in these regions is predominantly agricultural, with about 90% of farmers falling within the lowest income bracket. Within the cocoa industry—a key economic driver—60% of farmers live below the national poverty line.
The backbone of Ivorian agriculture lies in industrial and cash crops, securing the country’s position as the world’s leading producer of cocoa and cashews, and the third-largest producer of natural rubber. Despite these achievements, Côte d’Ivoire remains heavily reliant on imports for essential food items such as cereals and fish, which form the dietary staples of urban populations. The country’s food production system is characterized by limited structure, with most activities operating informally and farmers facing significant barriers to market access.
