Current Situation of Agricultural Trade: What Effects does it have on Food Security in Africa?

Authors

Ismaelline Eba Nguema, Mohammed V University of Rabat, MoroccoFollow

Abstract

The history of food policy in Africa started with the beginning of independence with the adoption of the strategy based on the planned development model. However, the financial and administrative planning requirements were felt quickly. By the early 80s, the debt crisis led African economies to abandon the policy of self-sufficiency and to adopt a so-called liberal agro-food strategy. In this context, food security based on external trade and its requirements became integral parts of structural adjustment programs. Thus, Africa took a stand before the rest of the world in the controlling of extraversion. Despite mixed results, in January 1995, Africa strengthened its accession to a liberal system by adopting the agreement on agriculture (AoA). Again, the promises would not match up to the results. In fact, the sector remains far from the liberal recommendations advocated by the World Trade Organization (WTO). Between protectionism and bilateralism, the liberalization of agricultural products was certainly imperfect, but full of future promise for Africa. A more just and multilateral agreement based on development issues is one of the cornerstones of trade that connects to food security.

Recommended Citation

Eba Nguema, Ismaelline (2016) "Current Situation of Agricultural Trade: What Effects does it have on Food Security in Africa?," International Journal of African Development: Vol. 3: Iss. 2, Article 4.
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ijad/vol3/iss2/4