Importance of agriculture to the economy
Agriculture plays an important role in the country's economy, accounting for 21.7% of the GDP and employing 53.9% of the labour force in 1992. About 61% of the population live in rural areas. The main cash crops are bananas, which accounted for 35% of export earnings, and coffee, which accounted for 17.6% in 1992. Exports of shellfish, meat and timber are also important. The main subsistence crops are maize, plantains, beans and rice. Agriculture has been adversely affected by fluctuations in the prices of bananas and coffee on the world market. Food security remains a basic pillar of the country's economic policy.
Contributions to GDP and employment
