What is the irrigation potential for Africa? A combined biophysical and socioeconomic approach

► Low irrigation contributes to Sub-Saharan Africa's low agricultural productivity. ► We assess area potential with a combined bio-physical and socioeconomic analysis. ► We find profitable expansion potential of 24 million ha over the next 50 years. ► This is a 177-percent increase over existing area of 13 million hectares. ► Both small- and large-scale irrigation are profitable.