Uganda Agriculture Employment
Employment in agriculture SL.AGR.EMPL.ZS
Uganda's agriculture employment was 64.85% in 2025, ranked 173rd globally. This represents a 0.9% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Uganda's agriculture employment stood at 64.85% in 2025, a decline of +0.56% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 64.47% by 2026. Uganda ranked 173rd globally.
Uganda’s share of the labour force employed in agriculture stood at 64.85 percent in 2025, placing the country 173rd in the world and slightly below Tanzania’s 64.57 percent and Malawi’s 64.98 percent. Over the 35‑year span from 1991, when the share was 62.38 percent, the agricultural employment ratio has risen modestly, peaking at 71.94 percent in 2014 before slipping to a trough of 59.44 percent in 2003. The post‑2003 recovery reflects a gradual shift back to farm work as Uganda’s agrarian sector absorbed labor displaced by limited industrial growth, while the 2014 high coincided with expanded smallholder programmes and favourable commodity prices. Nevertheless, the recent figure remains below the all‑time peak, suggesting that structural constraints such as limited value‑addition and persistent rural‑urban migration continue to cap further gains. Continued investment in agricultural productivity and market access will be crucial to sustain or improve the upward trajectory of farm employment.
Data & projection
| Year | Agriculture Employment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 63.56% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 64.01% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 64.47% | - | - |
| 2025 | 64.85% | −0.56% | #173 |
| 2024 | 65.41% | −0.48% | #174 |
| 2023 | 65.89% | −0.46% | #177 |
| 2022 | 66.35% | −0.31% | #179 |
| 2021 | 66.66% | +1.91% | #180 |
| 2020 | 64.75% | +3.39% | #175 |
| 2019 | 61.36% | −5.40% | #174 |
| 2018 | 66.76% | −4.73% | #180 |
| 2017 | 71.49% | −0.13% | #182 |
| 2016 | 71.62% | −0.13% | #180 |
| 2015 | 71.76% | −0.18% | #180 |
| 2014 | 71.94% | +1.25% | #180 |
| 2013 | 70.69% | +5.69% | #180 |
| 2012 | 64.99% | −0.28% | #176 |
| 2011 | 65.28% | +3.32% | #175 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Uganda matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw agriculture employment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Uganda's agriculture employment was 64.85% in 2025. Ranked 173rd globally. This represents a 0.9% decrease from the previous year.
Uganda's agriculture employment peaked at 71.94% in 2014.
The lowest agriculture employment in Uganda was 59.44% in 2003.
Uganda ranks 173rd globally in agriculture employment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.AGR.EMPL.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Uganda's agriculture employment is projected to reach 64.47% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The agriculture employment of Uganda in 2025 was 64.85%. This ranks 173rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_uganda_agriculture-employment,
title = {Uganda Agriculture Employment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/uganda/agriculture-employment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}