Green conditionality and food security: Winners and losers from the greening of aid

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AbstractThis paper examines the consequences of the greening of aid – specifically the conditions which can be imposed on aid flows to render them more environmentally acceptable – for food and livelihood security policies. Differing time preferences and goals of food security and environmental policies can lead to conflict. ‘Environment‐first’ approaches have characterized many environmental aid policies, where as food security goals have tended to stress economic not environmental sustainability. In order to reduce conflict between the pursuit of these two sets of obectives, a more ‘people‐first’ approach is required. Examples of green conditionality are discussed and policy options to minimize some of its adverse consequences considered. The paper draws on examples from Sahelian Africa, but raises tentative arguments and possible scenarios, rather than tested results, seeking to provoke further discussion.