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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Agricultural Export Prospects for Sub-Saharan Africa
Author:Duncan, Ronald C.ISNI
Year:1993
Periodical:Development Policy Review
Volume:11
Issue:1
Period:March
Pages:31-45
Language:English
Geographic term:Subsaharan Africa
Subjects:export promotion
agricultural exports
international relations
Inter-African Relations
Economics and Trade
Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment
External link:https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-7679.1993.tb00027.x
Abstract:When discussing the agricultural exports of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), one is basically talking about coffee, cocoa, and cotton. Sugar, tea, and tobacco are next in line but of much less importance. This article first discusses the disastrous decline in agricultural commodity prices in the 1980s and 1990s. Next, the outlook for the commodity market is examined, paying attention to the demand and supply outlooks for coffee, tea and cocoa, and the market outlook for cotton, sugar and tobacco. Finally, policy responses to the market situation are discussed. The author concludes that the prospects for increased prices in real terms for SSA's traditional export crops are poor. This is not to say that SSA's shares of world markets in these commodities cannot grow. Improved productivity, under the umbrella of improved macro and sectoral policies, is the key to profitability in these sectors and increasing shares. But it has to be recognized that there has been a change in relative prices away from the traditional crops, which means that new exporting activities will have to be developed. Before thinking about diversification, however, SSA countries have to make sure they do well what they do best. In agriculture, this is most commonly producing cocoa, coffee, cotton, or tea. Only in this way will they have good prospects on world markets. Bibliogr.
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