Location:
International Food Policy Research Institute
2033 K Street, NW, Washington, DC
Fourth Floor Conference Facility
Monday, July 29, 2002
3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
R.S.V.P.

Abstract
Market reforms in sub-Saharan Africa have led to expanded opportunities and reduced inefficiency in key areas of agricultural activity. But the expected broad-based growth in farm productivity and incomes has not materialized. Especially disappointing has been the impact of market liberalization on the region’s small-scale farmers who continue to pursue livelihood strategies featuring highly diversified, low-input, subsistence-oriented production practices with low net returns. The welfare of the poor is intimately tied to the reliability and efficiency of acquiring food from markets and accessing markets to generate cash income. Are agricultural markets working for the poor in Africa? The near collapse of agricultural prices recently following surplus production in eastern Africa, brought about through technology adoption and favorable weather, suggests the urgent need to strengthen the capacity of markets to effectively match supply and demand and thus work for the poor. Similarly, the inability of liberalized markets to respond to dramatically increased prices due to production shortfalls in Southern Africa again suggests that markets are not fulfilling their promised role. What lessons can be learned from the Indonesian and Indian experiences in linking markets and agricultural growth? What are the challenges facing Africa?

Please RSVP to 202-862-8107 or Email: S.Hill-Lee@cgiar.org.