Reducing Poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa through Agricultural Development: Lessons from the Chinese Experience

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.