June 2008 : the new context of agricultural development in the world
Notes by Bernard Bachelier (pdf, 1.4 Mb) aim to analyse the new context of agricultural development in the world.
Summary
These notes aim to analyse the new context of agricultural development in the world. Their hypothesis is that this new context constitutes a historical break for agricultural policies. Indeed, above and beyond the soaring prices of agricultural produce, all the indicators come together to mark the end of an era : the World Bank report, international negotiations and reforms to agricultural policies, philanthropic news, environmental demands and the strengthening of civil society. This leads to new questions about planning, public policies and the actions of businesses being posed.
The priority is to channel investment into agriculture and its intensification for the benefit especially of African countries whose numerous agricultural populations have land and water but lack the means to use them more profitably.
But the use of this investment must be based on a new concept of the relationship between farmers, the other private actors and public authorities whose functions must be redefined following liberalisation and privatisation reforms. A situation such as this has not presented itself for several decades. It is the responsibility of all of us to turn this into an opportunity for the farmers of these countries.
