Food Security and International Trade in Agriculture: Short and Long Term Evidence from Low Income and Food-Deficit Countries (DCs)

Abstract

In this article, we study the correlation between food security and international trade. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), we speak of food security "when all people, at all times, have economic, social and physical access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that satisfies their nutritional needs and dietary preferences to enable them to live active and healthy lives". Since 1980, as a result of the structural adjustment programs (SAPs), low-income and food-deficit countries (DCs) have been liberalizing agriculture and opening up trade, which has sometimes resulted in the deterioration of their balance sheets, while developed countries have always maintained their agricultural protectionism to the detriment of these developing states, where their returns have been increased (domestic support and export subsidies). In addition to this trade imbalance, persistent instability in conflict-ridden regions, adverse climatic events in many parts of the world, and economic slowdowns that have affected the most peaceful regions and worsened food security explain the ongoing crises in food industry in many developing countries. Indeed, food security is a goal displayed by all countries but can it be achieved? For this research, we attempted to show some of the weaknesses of international trade in agricultural, as well as some improvements that can be made. Also, agricultural support infrastructure in developing countries needs to be set up to unable the processing of raw materials and therefore achieving value addition. Developing countries should be allowed to impose duties when their balance of payments is extremely deficient.

Keywords: Food security, Agricultural liberalization, International trade in agriculture, Developing countries