Assessing Trade Liberalisation on Food Security in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Abstract

The primary goal of governments, development partners and Non-Governmental Organisations to end hunger and ensure food security for all by 2030 under the United Nations declaration remains a key policy drive especially for developing countries. This study as a result, examines the effect of trade liberalisation on food security in Sub-Sahara Africa from 1970 to 2014. The study adopts the System General Method of Moments (GMM) econometric technique in investigating the effect of trade liberalisation on food security. Finding consequently points to the relevance of trade liberalisation to food security in Africa, specifically, trade liberalisation is found to significantly contribute to food security in SubSahara Africa. In addition, cereal production within Sub-Sahara Africa countries has a positive effect on food security. The study, therefore recommends that Sub-Sahara Africa countries improve their international trade policy regimes to support the flow of agricultural and semiagricultural products to aid in domestic food production. Moreover, national governments and international aid related funding in the agricultural sector should effectively pursue policies that would support domestic food production. These policies may include strengthening competitiveness in the agriculture value chain, investment in agriculture mechanisation, and support dry season farming through irrigation.