African leaders are fond of talking about the importance of agriculture but____________________ a. in Africa less than 20%

General
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African leaders are fond of talking about the importance of agriculture but____________________ a. in Africa less than 20% percent work in agriculture. b. greater food production in Africa will increase the need for food exports. c. very little is done to improve it, as their main concern is to keep food prices very low in towns. d. All of the above.

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LectureNotes said African leaders are fond of talking about the importance of agriculture but____________________ a. in Africa less than 20% work in agriculture. b. greater food production in Africa will increase the need for food exports. c. very little is done to improve it, as their main concern is to keep food prices very low in towns. d. All of the above.

Answer: The correct completion of the statement would be:

c. very little is done to improve it, as their main concern is to keep food prices very low in towns.

This choice reflects a common critique of the agricultural policies in some African countries, where despite the frequent rhetoric on the importance of agriculture, concrete actions and sufficient investments in the agricultural sector are often lacking. The emphasis on maintaining low food prices in urban areas can sometimes lead to neglect of the broader systemic improvements needed in rural agricultural economies. This perspective is consistent with observations by various development experts and commentators on the topic.

Understanding the Context:

  1. Importance of Agriculture:

    • Agriculture is indeed crucial for many African economies as it is a significant source of livelihood for a large portion of the population and is vital for food security.

  2. Challenges in Agricultural Development:

    • Despite the significance, there are systemic issues such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of access to modern farming techniques, insufficient investment, and policy shortcomings that hinder agricultural growth.

  3. Urban-Rural Divide:

    • The majority of the African population still resides in rural areas and depends on agriculture. However, political and economic priorities can sometimes be skewed towards urban areas where there is a larger concentration of resources and political power.

  4. Policy Implications:

    • Keeping food prices low in urban areas can be seen as a way to maintain social stability and political favor. However, this can lead to disincentives for farmers and inadequate focus on agricultural investment and development in rural regions.

By focusing more on sustainable agricultural practices, investing in rural infrastructure, and improving access to markets and resources, African leaders could address these critiques and support long-term agricultural development.