Benin Agriculture Employment
Employment in agriculture SL.AGR.EMPL.ZS
Benin's agriculture employment was 40.24% in 2025, ranked 144th globally. This represents a 2.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Benin's agriculture employment stood at 40.24% in 2025, a decline of +0.81% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 39.45% by 2026. Benin ranked 144th globally.
Benin’s share of the labour force employed in agriculture fell from 46.57 percent in 1991, the highest level recorded over the 35‑year series, to 40.24 percent in 2025, the lowest point and the country’s current standing at rank 144 globally. This gradual decline reflects structural shifts toward services and informal non‑farm activities, yet agriculture remains a substantial employer compared with regional peers; Liberia records a slightly higher share at 41.12 percent while Togo’s share is 37.59 percent. The downward trajectory aligns with broader West African trends of modest urbanisation and limited productivity gains in the sector, which have constrained the pace of job creation outside farming. Persistently low mechanisation, vulnerability to climate variability and modest value‑addition keep the sector labour‑intensive. Continued investment in agricultural technology, climate‑resilient crops and market integration could stabilise the employment share, while deeper diversification may further reduce reliance on farming in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Agriculture Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 37.85% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 38.65% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 39.45% | - | - |
| 2025 | 40.24% | −0.81% | #144 |
| 2024 | 41.05% | −0.81% | #144 |
| 2023 | 41.86% | −0.81% | #144 |
| 2022 | 42.67% | −0.77% | #146 |
| 2021 | 43.44% | +0.13% | #148 |
| 2020 | 43.31% | +1.32% | #151 |
| 2019 | 41.99% | −0.33% | #151 |
| 2018 | 42.32% | −0.63% | #151 |
| 2017 | 42.94% | −0.38% | #150 |
| 2016 | 43.33% | +0.13% | #150 |
| 2015 | 43.19% | +0.28% | #146 |
| 2014 | 42.91% | −0.41% | #145 |
| 2013 | 43.32% | −0.40% | #144 |
| 2012 | 43.72% | +0.09% | #144 |
| 2011 | 43.63% | −0.12% | #142 |
Analysis
Benin's agriculture employment was 40.24% in 2025, a decline of −0.81% from 2024. Based on trends, estimated 39.45% by 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Benin's agriculture employment was 40.24% in 2025. Ranked 144th globally. This represents a 2.0% decrease from the previous year.
Benin's agriculture employment peaked at 46.57% in 1991.
The lowest agriculture employment in Benin was 40.24% in 2025.
Benin ranks 144th globally in agriculture employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.AGR.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Benin's agriculture employment is projected to reach 39.45% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The agriculture employment of Benin in 2025 was 40.24%. This ranks 144th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_benin_agriculture-employment,
title = {Benin Agriculture Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/benin/agriculture-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}