1The Future of Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Agenda for Action∗

Most sub-Saharan African economies are largely agrarian in structure and outlook. Food and agricultural production form the principal activity in the region both in terms of occupational distribution of the labour force and in terms of the proportionate contribution to the national income (GDP). However, agricultural production faces enormous challenges in the region. In addition to production challenges, trade and marketing challenges further constrain African agriculture. The global trading system, in particular, with its enormous potential is nonetheless working against the long-term interest of low income African countries since it does not provide a ‘level playing field ’ or a truly competitive environment. African states cannot compete in the international market with the subsidised agricultural exports from the developed OECD (Organisation for Economic Corporation and Development) countries. This not only reduces their share in global agricultural trade but also weakens their incentive system for increasing production. The challenge to increase agricultural production