Impact of alternative agricultural trade liberalization strategies on food security in the Sub‐Saharan Africa region

Abstract

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to deal with the linkage between agricultural trade liberalization and food security in Sub‐Saharan Africa.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis uses the GTAP model which is a global dynamic applied general equilibrium model to assess how the multifarious trade and support policies in agriculture affect the poor in the Sub‐Saharan African group based on food security concerns. The policy strategies analyzed are two liberalization scenarios based on the proposals made in the present round of agricultural negotiations in terms of market access and export competition, plus a free agricultural trade benchmark scenario.FindingsThe results of alternative trade liberalization strategies on key food security indicators in the SSA region are ambiguous. The impact varies depending on the extent of liberalization and also the comparative advantage of the SSA group at the sectoral level.Originality/valueDespite several studies on food security, especially after the food crisis in 2008, very little research has focussed on the agricultural trade liberalization impact with a CGE approach.