Analysis of Agricultural Policies in Suriname

The relative importance of agriculture in Suriname’s economy has declined over the last two decades. Meanwhile, as agricultural output fluctuated, the country’s economic growth was boosted by development in the mining and services sectors. However, agriculture is still socio-economically significant, as it is a major provider of employment in rural areas, accounts for 5% of the country’s foreign exchange earnings, and is a key contributor to food security through the production of rice, the population’s main staple food.