Deagrarianization and rural employment in sub-Saharan Africa: A sectoral perspective

Sub-Saharan Africa is steadily becoming less rural in character. For decades development thinking has prescribed industrialization as the virtuous path leading away from economic dependence on agriculture. But Africa's industrial record has been plagued with underperformance. An alternative perspective centered on the process of ''deagrarianization'' and attendant rural employment generation may offer more explanatory power and policy direction. This paper outlines key theoretical components and practical concerns of a deagrarianization approach. The nature and incidence of deagrarianization in sub-Saharan Africa is contrasted with that experienced in developed industrial countries. Conceptual approaches dealing with rural non-agricultural employment are identified within different social science disciplines through a thematic review of the literature. The conclusion highlights the need for more focused study of the deagrarianization process and rural sen;ice sector development.