How the share of arable land changed in North Africa
In 2024, 17.84% of Tunisia’s land and 15.84% of Morocco’s was classified as arable. The corresponding figures in Egypt and Algeria were 3.29% and 3.16%.
Sources checked
North Africa Exchange Editorial Team
1990 and 2024Arable land share by country
1990
Shared scale · 0% to 19.51%
Algeria2.97%
Egypt2.29%
Morocco19.51%
Tunisia18.72%
2024
Shared scale · 0% to 19.51%
Algeria3.16%
Egypt3.29%
Morocco15.84%
Tunisia17.84%
The percentage scale compares each country’s share of its land area.
The estimate fell from 19.51% in 1990 to 16.80% in 2015 and 15.84% in 2024. Tunisia moved from 18.72% in 1990 to 17.84% in 2024, with higher and lower observations in between. Source 1
Egypt and Algeria remained near 3%
Egypt rose from 2.29% in 1990 to 3.29% in 2024. Algeria moved from 2.97% to 3.16%. National land area differs, so a similar percentage can correspond to different numbers of hectares. Source 1
The arable classification counts land once
An area planted twice in a year counts once in the arable land measure. The indicator can also include temporary fallow. Annual crop area, harvested area and irrigated area each require their own records. Source 2
The share measures land use within a national boundary
Areas under permanent crops are outside the temporary-crop definition. A shift can reflect land use and reporting revisions. Total arable hectares and crop production are useful companion measures when comparing agricultural scale. Source 2