Macro-economic Environment & Impact on Rural Poor

Macro-economic Environment & Impact on Rural Poor Steve Wiggins Overseas Development Institute Brussels Rural Development Briefing, Brussels 4th July 2007

Challenges & Threats
Some well known:
HIV/AIDS
Climate change & associated environmental impacts  e.g. loss biodiversity
Changing supply chains: increasing reach of conglomerates into rural Africa
World markets for food and agricultural produce:
Outcome of trade and other reforms in North
China, India as significant importers?
Biofuels

Challenges & Threats (con’d)
Some less appreciated than they should be:
Macroeconomic conditions & success of urban economies
Unknowns & surprises  some possibly pleasant, e.g. mobile phones
And be prepared to recognise success in Africa

Implications
(Some) threats: uncertain, tomorrow
Poverty & hunger: certain, today
So current agenda applies
Agricultural development
Non-farm economy
Urban-rural links
Social protection
Reform of trade & OECD subsidies

Disaster Preparedness
Poor record:
Southern Africa faces droughts predictable over decade if not for exact years
Since 1991/92, since 2002:
Where are preparations?

Resilience
Unpredictable events: capacity to adapt
History: African farmers cope with changes over decades
e.g. loss soil fertility … so climate change?
Less good when onset is rapid
pests, diseases, market prices
Diversification helps: on-farm & locally, but also
Better links & more opp’s nationally & globally

Macro-economic Environment & Impact on Rural Poor

by Euforic Services on Jul 08, 2007

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Macro-economic Environment & Impact on Rural Poor — Presentation Transcript