Agricultural Development and Food Security in Sub.ppt

Agricultural Development and Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa Building a Case for More Support (WELDEGHABER KIDANE) THE PROBLEM almost 33 percent - close to 200 million people, undernourished Nearly half live on less than $1 a day - lower than three decades ago Number almost doubled since the 60s highest increase of number of poor observed in SSA - rose by 72 million during the last decade Poor performance of agriculture lies at the heart of the problem. PROBLEM Cont... food crises and famines, easily triggered by lightest of droughts, floods, pests, economic downturns or conflicts. only continent where hunger is projected to worsen unless drastic measures are taken agricultural exports have fallen while imports of food have surged food aid interventions common feature of African news headlines Structural Adjustments implemented 1980s - 1990s to redress policies that taxed agriculture heavily Impact? Mixed Liberalization removed deliberate price discriminations provided (in theory) incentives efficient resource allocation Terms of trade for agriculture deteriorated - input prices grew faster than output prices Privatization accompanied by stringent budget regimes ? led to collapse of agriculture services decreasing public support + weak private sector ? undue dependence on food imports and food aid Context Objective of Study In July 2003, AU resolved, to allocate 10% of budget translating commitment into political action not easy due to Objective of study: to provide sound arguments for ministers Maputo Declaration is just Components of the study Background Document Country case studies 10 countries: Chad, DR Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zambia; Main Reportg: Outlining Boarder policy and strategy options for Africa Two regional workshops in partnership with AU/NEPAD Sec and RECS KEY ISSUES Can agriculture in SSA be an engine for broad-based economic growth? What should be the role of the public and pr