THE G77 AND ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS FOR AFRICA'S FOOD SECURITY

Abstract

Developing countries demonstrated their collective commitment to address their common economic problems through the formation of the Group of 77 (G77). The coalition has attempted to use its caucus to influence the reform of major international trade and investment policies through the United Nations (UN) fora. Two of such successes were the adoption of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA). These instruments seek to improve Africa’s poverty and food insecurity by making the international market accessible to African farmers and prevent dumping of developed countries’ agricultural commodities through phasing out high subsidies. Yet, to adopt a legal instrument at the UN level is one thing, but to implement it by states is another. These and other agro-trade initiatives have grossly failed to benefit the African rural farmers and combat chronic hunger. Against this backdrop, it is logical to conclude that the G77 has failed to transform its lofty ideal into practice. In summary, while this bloc of nations has previously managed to maintain some degree of solidarity along essential socio-economic issues, the existence of its internal differences remain worrying for the advancement of Africa’s food security agenda