The average annual income of small-scale food producers is less than half of their larger-scale counterparts, as reported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Source: FAO
Income from farm-related production activities, including production of food and agricultural products, is measured by SDG indicator 2.3.2. This comprises income from crop, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture production, and forestry production. The indicator is computed as annual income.
In low and middle-income countries, small-scale farmers play a crucial role in agrifood systems, contributing significantly by producing around one-third of the world’s food and making substantial contributions to global agrifood systems and economies. They represent diverse groups, including women, the young, and Indigenous Peoples. Despite their importance, small-scale farmers often struggle to compete successfully with their larger-scale counterparts.
Small-scale food producers earn less than USD 1,500 annually in most countries surveyed, showing an annual average income of less than half of their larger-scale competitors. Regarding land ownership, less than 50% of women and men engaged in agricultural production have ownership and secure tenure rights over agricultural land.
Reference:
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2023). Tracking progress on food and agriculture-related SDG indicators 2023. Retrieved October 2, 2023 from https://www.fao.org/3/cc7088en/cc7088en.pdf
