A Food Security Framework for U.S.-Africa Trade Relations

By William J. Fighter

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, an independent organization committed to influencing global issues, recently released a report that recommends a new approach in U.S.-Africa trade conducive to food security in Africa which, at the same time, would enable U.S. businesses to capitalize on the flourishing African market.

The report, titled “Grow Markets, Fight Hunger : A Food Security Framework for US-Africa Trade Relations,” indicates that the United States has not capitalized on Africa’s growing agricultural infrastructure, saying “current US trade approaches to Africa have limited food security benefits and also do not benefit American farmers and businesses as much as they could.” Ivo H. Daalder, president of The Chicago Council on Global Affairs, echoed this view in saying, “The United States would miss a significant opportunity if it did not leverage these efforts to position U.S. businesses to take advantage of Africa’s growing agriculture and food market.”

In overlooking Africa’s booming food market, the report states, U.S. trading has directed its “focus largely on bilateral trade in the mining and manufacturing industries.” Dan Glickman, former U.S. secretary of agriculture, addressed this matter in saying, “African and American farmers and agrifood businesses stand to make big gains if we can increase regional trade in Africa through tackling some of the inconsistencies in standards and regulatory frameworks.”

In addition to economic benefits, enhancing US-Africa agricultural trade relations would also provide Africa –a continent where about 25% of the population is undernourished–with consistent nourishment. “More Africans can gain access to a reliable and affordable source of food if we can align U.S. trade policies with its food security investments,” stated Doug Bereuter, president emeritus of The Asia Foundation.

Suggesting ways to improve US-Africa agricultural trade relations, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs recommends improving regional technical regulations and the promotion of trade in seeds and fertilizer. The report also recommends implementing trade measures centered on expediting trade in staple foods, removing barriers to regional trade, establishing investment treaties, providing greater transparency and taming limitations on food trade.