Protectionist Trade Policies and Agricultural Productivity in WAEMU Countries

Abstract

This paper assesses the effect of protectionist trade policies on the agricultural productivity of WAEMU countries from 1995 to 2016. A multiple linear regression model with panel data was used in this study.
 The estimations results indicate that the protectionist trade policy captured by State subsidy to agriculture and tax on the import of goods have a positive effect on agricultural productivity of WAEMU countries. In addition, the study reveals that sufficient availability of farm machinery and fertile soil would be of particular importance to the development of agricultural sector.
 In the face of globalization, these results encourage the adoption of a protectionist trade policy which would certainly improve the agricultural productivity in WAEMU countries.