This 2017 update on food and agricultural policies in sub-Saharan Africa for the period 2005-2016 shows heterogeneous results across countries and commodities, although aggregate figures indicate that price incentives to agriculture were increasing across the period overall. Policies that focused on supporting domestic production, through import tariffs and price support, are thought to be the main drivers of this trend. Market inefficiencies persist, however, as a source of price disincentives to farmers and a major constraint on agricultural development.

Author Biography

Founded in 1945, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Serving both developed and developing countries, FAO provides a neutral forum where all nations meet as equals to negotiate agreements and debate policy. The Organization publishes authoritative publications on agriculture, fisheries, forestry and nutrition.