Based on the actual data, the land area equipped for irrigation in Africa has shown steady growth from 2013 to 2023, moving from 15.87 million hectares in 2013 to 17.21 million hectares in 2023. The year-on-year variations indicate relatively moderate changes with the most significant annual increase of 2.35% in 2015 and a general trend of slowing growth as the years progress. Over the past five years from 2018 to 2023, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) stood at 0.57%, reflecting a consistent yet moderate expansion in irrigation infrastructure.
Forecasted data suggests a continued upward trend, with the land area reaching 17.62 million hectares by 2028. The five-year forecasted CAGR from 2023 to 2028 indicates a lower growth rate of 0.38%, highlighting a potential deceleration in the development of new irrigation-equipped lands.
Future trends to watch for include the impact of technological advancements in irrigation methods, governmental policies promoting agricultural development, and climate change factors influencing the necessity and feasibility of expanding irrigated lands. Monitoring these factors will be crucial to understanding the dynamics within the irrigation sector and agricultural productivity in Africa.
