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ArticleJournal articleAchieving food security and industrial development in Malawi: Are export restrictions the solution? 2018
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No results found.Restrictions on staple or cash crop exports are frequently imposed in developing countries to promote food security or industrial development. By diverting production to local markets, these policies tend to reduce prices and increase domestic supply of food or intermediate inputs in the short term, to the benefit of consumers or manufacturers, which make them attractive to policymakers. However, in the long term, export restrictions discourage agricultural production, which may ultimately negate the short-term gains. This study assesses the economy-wide effects of Malawi’s long-term maize export ban, which was only recently lifted, and a proposed oilseed export levy intended to improve food security and support local processing industries, respectively. We find that maize export bans only benefit the urban non-poor, while poor farmers’ incomes and maize consumption levels decline in the longer run. The oilseed export levy also fails to achieve its long run objectives: even when tax revenues are used to further subsidize food processors, their gains in value-addition are outweighed by declining agricultural value-addition. More generally, these results show that while export restrictions may have the desired outcomes in the short run, production responses may render the policies ineffective in the medium to long run. Ultimately, such restrictive policies reinforce a subsistence approach to agriculture, which is inconsistent with the stated economic transformation goals of many Sub-Saharan African countries. -
Book (stand-alone)Technical studyAssessing the policy environment for cash crops in Malawi: what could hinder the achievement of the National Export Strategy objectives? 2017
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No results found.This paper examines the main issues affecting producers of export crops in Malawi that could compromise the attainment of the National Export Strategy (NES) 2013-2018 targets. The analysis assesses the level of policy support to the major export crops (cotton, groundnuts, sugar, tea and tobacco) for the period 2005-2013, by calculating the Nominal Rate of Protection (NRP), the Nominal Rate of Assistance (NRA) and the Market Development Gap (MDG) indicators for producers and by analysing public e xpenditure targeting the aforementioned commodities. The results show that trade and market policies resulted in disincentives of -15 percent on average for cash crop producers mainly due to poor infrastructure, lack of competition, weak enforcement and/or inefficiency of producer price policies, and limited budgetary support to cash crops value chain development. The analysis offers further evidence to guide the prioritization of policies and investments in view of fully attaining the NES objec tives, including facilitation of farmers’ access to markets, promotion of a more competitive environment for agri-business, and development of a transparent market information system. -
DocumentOther documentContribution of Tea Production and Exports to Food Security, Rural Development and Smallholder Welfare in Selected Producing Countries 2015
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No results found.The World Food Summit in 1996 reinforced a multidimensional approach to food security: “Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life”. In as far as how international trade contributed to food security, the summit concluded that an important way was by accelerating national income growth. As incomes grew, the fraction spent on food dec lined and the chances of falling into food insecurity decreased. Trade contributed to income growth in a number of ways: enabling countries to reap the benefits of comparative advantage; provide opportunities for production expansion; and greater transfer of capital and expertise, particularly through foreign investment. Export growth allowed firms to expand beyond the respective domestic markets and reap the benefits of economies of scale. Exposure to foreign competition also helped in removing inefficiencies and gaining exposure to ideas, knowledge and new technologies. In the case of tea, production and exports generate foreign exchange and employment and provide a material base for national economic growth. In particular, they make significant contributions to food security by helping to cover food import bills. In 2011, tea export earnings paid for 51 percent and 71 percent of Kenya and Sri Lanka’s food import bills, respectively. Therefore, monitoring and analysing international tea trade is critical for policy makers involved with food security, trade and rural development in developing countries.
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Book (stand-alone)Technical bookThe future of food and agriculture - Trends and challenges 2017
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No results found.What will be needed to realize the vision of a world free from hunger and malnutrition? After shedding light on the nature of the challenges that agriculture and food systems are facing now and throughout the 21st century, the study provides insights into what is at stake and what needs to be done. “Business as usual” is not an option. Major transformations in agricultural systems, rural economies, and natural resources management are necessary. The present study was undertaken for the quadrennial review of FAO’s strategic framework and for the preparation of the Organization Medium-Term plan 2018-2021. -
BookletHigh-profileFAO Strategy on Climate Change 2022–2031 2022The FAO Strategy on Climate Change 2022–2031 was endorsed by FAO Council in June 2022. This new strategy replaces the previous strategy from 2017 to better FAO's climate action with the Strategic Framework 2022-2031, and other FAO strategies that have been developed since then. The Strategy was elaborated following an inclusive process of consultation with FAO Members, FAO staff from headquarters and decentralized offices, as well as external partners. It articulates FAO's vision for agrifood systems by 2050, around three main pillars of action: at global and regional level, at country level, and at local level. The Strategy also encourages key guiding principles for action, such as science and innovation, inclusiveness, partnerships, and access to finance.
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Book (stand-alone)Technical bookClimate-Smart Agriculture Sourcebook 2013
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No results found.The purpose of the sourcebook is to further elaborate the concept of CSA and demonstrate its potential, as well as limitations. It aims to help decision makers at a number of levels (including political administrators and natural resource managers) to understand the different options that are available for planning, policies and investments and the practices that are suitable for making different agricultural sectors, landscapes and food systems more climate-smart. This sourcebook is a reference tool for planners, practitioners and policy makers working in agriculture, forestry and fisheries at national and subnational levels. The sourcebook indicates some of the necessary ingredients required to achieve a climate-smart approach to the agricultural sectors, including existing options and barriers. Read the executive summary here.