The Role of Agriculture in Development: Implications for Sub-Saharan Africa (Research Report) - Softcover

Diao, Xinshen

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0896291618 ISBN 13: 9780896291614

Publisher: International Food Policy Research Institute, 2007

Synopsis

Changes in the global environment have led some to question whether the conventional wisdom on the role of agriculture in economic development is still relevant to Africa today. This report critically examines the literature on this issue, taking both the conventional and skeptical views into account. It complements this review with case studies of five African countries. The findings indicate that agricultural growth will play an essential role in promoting overall economic growth and reducing poverty in most of Africa's agrarian-based economies. This holds true even for countries that have the potential for industrial growth driven by natural resources. The results also show that only smallholder food-staple and livestock production can generate broadbased agricultural growth. By demonstrating that Africa's agricultural and food subsector cannot be bypassed, this report contributes to an important ongoing debate in development studies.

About this edition

• Publisher: International Food Policy Research Institute
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0896291618
• ISBN 13: 9780896291614
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 76