In the view of free trade diplomats, exports are the panacea against economic underdevelopment. They are supposed to save ailing economies from debt, lack of foreign currency, stagnation, and inefficiency. While under certain conditions, these expectations have proven to be valid when it comes to exports in manufactures, the role of exports in agriculture remains controversial. Especially in Least Developed Countries, where the linkages between export-oriented agriculture and the rest of the economy are rather weak, export enclaves have often emerged that not only fail to stimulate other sectors but also fail to induce steady growth in the face of volatile commodity prices on international markets. Even where agricultural exports have brought about income growth, they more often than not have failed to advance poverty alleviation and human development.

 

Exports can play a useful role as disciplining stick though. Without a proper framework, they tend to favor large farmers, undercut livelihoods, increase food insecurity, and threaten ecosystems. While exports can make a positive contribution to both poverty reduction and human development, they do so only if certain conditions are fulfilled. Realizing the potential gains from exports depends on the overarching domestic policy framework in which trade takes place (Kamal Malhotra), as well as on the specific conditions and criteria attached to exports from rural regions (Aileen K’wa & Souleymane Bassoume). Such a framework needs to be designed according to the particular circumstances of each country.

 

[Download Paper by Kamal Malhotra]

 

[Download paper by Aileen K’wa & Souleymane Bassoume]