Energy Indicators for Sustainable Development: Guidelines and Methodologies International Atomic Energy Agency United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs International Energy Agency Eurostat European Environment Agency

ECO7: Agricultural energy intensities 
Brief Definition 
Final energy use per unit of agricultural value 
added 
Units 
Energy: tonnes of oil equivalent (toe) per US dollar 
Electricity: kilowatt-hours (kWh) per US dollar 
Alternative Definition 
Energy use per unit of agricultural output 
Agenda 21 
Chapter 4: Consumption and production patterns 
POLICY RELEVANCE 
(a) Purpose: This indicator is a measure of aggregate energy intensity in the 
agricultural sector that can be used for analysing trends, particularly in renewables 
and non-commercial energy use. 
(b) Relevance to Sustainable Development: Energy is essential for most human 
activities, including agriculture. The availability of energy is a key factor for 
increasing agricultural productivity and for improving rural livelihoods. This indicator 
can be used to guide policy and investment decisions regarding energy requirements 
in all stages of agricultural production and energy efficiency. Renewable energy 
options such as solar, wind and bioenergy can contribute greatly to increased labour 
efficiency and diversified economic activities in rural areas. 
It is worth noting that the specific functions of agriculture as an energy producer and 
agroecosystem regenerator are important components of sustainable development 
programmes in some countries. 
(c) International Conventions and Agreements: No international agreements exist. 
Agenda 21 makes reference to the need to promote energy efficiency in all sectors. 
(d) International Targets/Recommended Standards: No international targets exist 
or apply. Targets could be developed at the national level, depending on the country’s 
range of agricultural products. 
(e) Linkages to Other Indicators: This indicator is part of a set of energy intensity 
indicators in different sectors (manufacturing, transport, service/commercial and 
residential), with energy use per unit of gross domestic product (GDP) as an aggregate 
energy intensity indicator. It is also linked to indicators such as total energy, non-

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commercial energy and electricity use, greenhouse gas emissions and air pollutant 
emissions.