Agriculture is the backbone of the African economy, with the sector accounting for about 16% of the continent’s GDP, 60% of its labor force, 20% of its total merchandise exports and is the main source of income and work for 90% of the region’s rural population. More than 95% of the fertilizers produced in the world are used to fertilize crops. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the most important producer of fertilizers. Among the major producing countries are Canada, China, France, and India.