The 2023 GAP Report

Every Farmer, Every Tool

Agricultural productivity growth has the potential to create returns to farmers—at all scales of production, society, the environment, and the economy.

However, since 2011, average annual agricultural total factor productivity (TFP) growth has consistently fallen below the target growth rate required to sustainably meet global needs for agricultural outputs by 2050.

Now, we must redouble our efforts to sustainably grow TFP. While research and development (R&D) is a key driver of TFP growth, there are many existing proven tools for sustainably improving TFP. In addition, the wider enabling environment, influences of behavior and decision-making, and external shocks and forces influence access to and sustained adoption of these proven tools. From research to stories from the field, the 2023 GAP Report™ explores the opportunities and barriers to farmer access and adoption of proven, appropriate tools for sustainable agricultural productivity growth.

2023 GAP Report

Executive Summary

Executive Summary (Spanish)

2023 GAP Report Figures

The 2023 GAP Report

Every Farmer, Every Tool

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Agricultural productivity growth has the potential to create returns to farmers—at all scales of production, society, the environment, and the economy.

Now, we must redouble our efforts to sustainably grow TFP. While research and development (R&D) is a key driver of TFP growth, there are many existing proven tools for sustainably improving TFP. In addition, the wider enabling environment, influences of behavior and decision-making, and external shocks and forces influence access to and sustained adoption of these proven tools. From research to stories from the field, the 2023 GAP Report® explores the opportunities and barriers to farmer access and adoption of proven, appropriate tools for sustainable agricultural productivity growth.

Key Messages

One

Increasingly at the forefront of global policy dialogues, sustainable productivity growth is recognized as the single most effective solution to meeting demand for agricultural output and meeting environmental goals.

Two

Total factor productivity (TFP) growth continues to be strong in China and South Asia, but is well below target growth across most of the globe. Sub-Saharan Africa and the United States show especially low TFP growth.

Three

During 2011–2021, global TFP grew at an average of just 1.14 percent annually. To sustainably meet the agricultural needs of a growing global population by 2050, we must now aim for 1.91 percent average annual TFP growth.

Four

If producers at all scales of production are able to access proven, appropriate, productivity-enhancing tools, including technologies and practices, we can make significant strides in closing the TFP growth gap. Increasing access to and adoption of proven-productivity enhancing tools will require strengthening the enabling environment, addressing influences of food system actor behaviors, and mitigating the effects of external shocks and forces.

Five

Lack of TFP growth creates reliance on input intensification and land expansion to grow agricultural output. This may result in over-reliance on unsustainable production practices and continued decline in TFP growth.

Six

Collaboration between the public, private, and civil sectors is critical for tackling barriers to every farmer having access to every proven tool for sustainable agricultural productivity growth.

1

Increasingly at the forefront of global policy dialogues, sustainable productivity growth is recognized as the single most effective solution to meeting demand for agricultural output and meeting environmental goals.

2

Total factor productivity (TFP) growth continues to be strong in China and South Asia, but is well below target growth across most of the globe. Sub-Saharan Africa and the United States show especially low TFP growth.

3

During 2011–2021, global TFP grew at an average of just 1.14 percent annually. To sustainably meet the agricultural needs of a growing global population by 2050, we must now aim for 1.91 percent average annual TFP growth.

4

If producers at all scales of production are able to access proven, appropriate, productivity-enhancing tools, including technologies and practices, we can make significant strides in closing the TFP growth gap. Increasing access to and adoption of proven-productivity enhancing tools will require strengthening the enabling environment, addressing influences of food system actor behaviors, and mitigating the effects of external shocks and forces.

5

Lack of TFP growth creates reliance on input intensification and land expansion to grow agricultural output. This may result in over-reliance on unsustainable production practices and continued decline in TFP growth.

6

Collaboration between the public, private, and civil sectors is critical for tackling barriers to every farmer having access to every proven tool for sustainable agricultural productivity growth.

2023 GAP Report Sections

CHAPTER ONE

UNCOVERING THE SUSTAINABILITY OF AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS

CHAPTER TWO

REGIONAL SPOTLIGHT: LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN

CHAPTER THREE

EVERY FARMER, EVERY TOOL: A FRAMEWORK FOR SUCCESS

CHAPTER FOUR

POLICY AND INVESTMENT PRIORITIES

CHAPTER FIVE

PARTNER STORIES

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GAP Initiative and Report Supporting Partners

The GAP Initiative and Report are supported by investments from the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. GAP Report Supporting Partners provide financial support for the GAP Report and related activities. They offer an important perspective on critical issues facing agricultural systems in the US and around the world.

GAP Initiative Technical Partners

Our work is enhanced by contributions from Technical Partners who share their knowledge and experience in agriculture, conservation, nutrition and the needs of small-scale farmers.