Reducing Poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa through Agricultural Development: Lessons from the Chinese Experience
Joseph Agebase Awuni *
School of Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212013, P. R. China and Faculty of Agribusiness and Communication Sciences, University for Development Studies, P.O.Box TL 1882, Tamale, Ghana.
Jianguo Du
School of Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212013, P. R. China.
Eric Yaw Naminse
School of Management, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, 212013, P. R. China and Faculty of Agribusiness and Communication Sciences, University for Development Studies, P.O.Box TL 1882, Tamale, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Improving agricultural growth and productivity can guarantee the food security and poverty reduction in much of sub-Saharan Africa. However, improving agricultural growth and productivity is not an easy task since it needs the right strategies and a strong commitment from African leaders to invest into agricultural development. The present paper explores on the agricultural and rural development of China and draws lessons for Sub-Saharan Africa. After discussing the challenges facing African agricultural development and the recent efforts to improve growth and productivity, the paper concentrates on lessons from the Chinese experience. The link between the lack of sufficient progress against food insecurity and rural poverty in sub-Saharan Africa and the weakness in local institutional structures mandated to provide services directly to smallholder farmers is the main conclusion of this study. Feasible solutions revolve around strengthening these institutions beside the recent efforts to improve agricultural growth and productivity.
Keywords: Africa, agricultural development, China, food security, institutions, poverty reduction