Sixth Agricultural Census of Suriname 2025

The most recent census was conducted in 2008 (seventeen years ago). There is now a complete picture of who engages in agricultural activities, where, and how. Explore the findings of the Sixth Agricultural Census of Suriname.

Explore the key findings Explore the thematic reports

Key findings

Farmers in Suriname contribute to the food supply of households, communities, and markets across all ten districts. The Sixth Agricultural Census 2025 registered the full population of farmers. Here is what the results show.

Explore the key findings

14,409

Agricultural holdings nationwide

A 41% increase compared with the previous census in 2008. The number of agricultural holdings nationwide has risen to the highest level ever recorded in Suriname's agricultural history.

~49,900 ha

Total holding area

Down from approximately 64,000 hectares in 2008. More holdings, less land. Suriname's agricultural sector is shifting toward smaller, more intensive farms.

98%

Group and individual family farms

Individual family farms form the largest group of agricultural operators in Suriname. Juridical-person holdings, including corporations and government, are limited in number but control a relatively large holding area.

7 in 10

Holdings under 2 hectares

Small-scale production is the backbone of Suriname's agricultural sector. Most holders manage planted areas smaller than two hectares.

40%

Female farm holders

Up from 35% in 2008. In the interior, women lead the majority of holdings. In Brokopondo, 77% of all holders are women.

50 to 64

The largest age group among farm holders

Suriname's farmers are aging. Younger generations are underrepresented, especially in the commercial districts of the coastal plain. This raises the question of who will carry the agricultural sector forward.

Thematic reports

Methodology

Period: January - March 2025; The census was conducted over a period of three months. It was preceded by a pilot census in Region East from 20 May to 9 June 2024.
Method: CAPI; Data were collected using Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) on tablets. This was the first time this data-collection method was used for an agricultural census in Suriname.
Coverage: 10 Districts; The census was conducted in all districts of Suriname, from the coastal plain to the interior.
Field staff: 123; The interviewers and supervisors carried out the census under the coordination of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (LVV).