Policy coherence for agricultural transformation in African least developed countries (LDCs)

EST - Trade and Markets Division

Policy coherence for agricultural transformation in African least developed countries (LDCs)

Aligning agriculture and trade policymaking processes

Year of publication 2018

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 40

Author EST - Trade and Markets Division

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (stand-alone)

ISBN 978-92-5-130679-6

Edition 1

Full item page

Synopsis (short abstract) In many developing and least-developed countries (LDCs), the transformation of the agriculture sector is key for improving domestic food security and nutrition and for promoting economic development. However, efforts to raise agricultural productivity and develop inclusive and competitive agricultural value chains are often hampered by market- and trade-related bottlenecks, while initiatives promoting agricultural commercialisation, diversification and trade are often curbed by bottlenecks at farm or post-harvest levels. In this context, FAO, in collaboration with the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) and European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM), carried out a Multi-partner Programme Support Mechanism (FMM) Project on Trade related capacity development for food security and nutrition in Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) to contribute to improved policy coherence for agricultural development and food security in these countries. This report presents the main findings of four country studies conducted under the FMM Project. The studies, carried out in Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania and Zambia during 2017, analysed the alignment of agriculture and trade policies and the coordination between agriculture and trade policymaking processes in these four countries. The report begins with advocating policy coherence and its relevance for African countries in the context of agriculture and trade, before explaining the objectives of the FMM Project and its approach. Section 2 presents the main findings from the country studies in the form of key messages. Finally, Section 3 concludes with recommendations for development partners, national governments, regional organisations and other relevant stakeholders.