Africa's Rising Demand for Wheat: Trends, Drivers, and Policy Implications. (2nd July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mason, Nicole M.; Jayne, T.S.; Shiferaw, Bekele
• Is Part Of: Development policy review. Volume 33:Number 5(2015:Sep.)
• Page Start: 581
• Page End: 613
• Publication Date: 2015-07-02
• Subjects: Developing countries -- Economic policy -- Periodicals; Economic assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Technical assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; 338.91
• DOI: 10.1111/dpr.12129
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-6764

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="dpr12129-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>This article analyses trends in wheat consumption and imports in sub‐Saharan Africa since 1980, and estimates the economic and demographic determinants of this rising demand for wheat. Results point to rising incomes, growing populations, and increasing women's labour‐force participation as key drivers. Urban wheat‐expenditure shares generally exceed rural ones and SSA's demand is met largely by imports and partly through domestic production on large‐scale farms. Rising demand may therefore entail few farm–non‐farm synergies and minimal prospects to spur broad‐based economic development. The article concludes by discussing policy options for African countries to meet their staple food needs while also promoting pro‐poor agricultural growth.</p> </abstract>