Abstract

TIBA, Firew. Assessment of the potential impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area on the right to food security of small-scale farmers and vulnerable groups. AHRY [online]. 2023, vol.7, pp.325-352. ISSN 2663-323X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.29053/2523-1367/2023/v7a15.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents opportunities but also risks for food security of vulnerable groups and small-scale farmers. Increased intra-African trade could improve efficiency, lower costs, and boost food availability. However, more imports may displace local production by smallholders who struggle to compete, worsening hunger and eroding food sovereignty. Policies prioritising exports or imports over domestic farming can reduce control of food systems and increase reliance on foreign sources for food. The right to food security is recognised under international and African human rights instruments. The AU's Malabo Declaration aims to spur agricultural development and food security access across Africa. This article analyses AfCFTA's potential impact on smallholders' and vulnerable groups' right to food security. It identifies possible benefits and risks of greater agricultural trade and examines how policies could undermine food sovereignty and security. The article outlines policy recommendations to mitigate potential adverse effects of AfCFTA on food security. It argues that targeted policies and investments are needed to safeguard vulnerable groups. The doctrinal analysis reviews applicable rules and literature to elucidate AfCFTA's nuanced impacts on food security and inform policy making. Recommended collaborative efforts involve subsidies, microloans, extension services, infrastructure, and public-private finance partnerships to support smallholders. Additional policies include strengthening land rights and gender equality, upholding seed protections, leveraging AfCFTA safeguards, pursuing deeper integration, and combining trade reforms with transport upgrades. Holistic, tailored approaches suiting countries' diverse contexts are required, not one-size-fits-all solutions. Strategic policies and investments empowering farmers, building resilience, and enabling inclusive agricultural development can help vulnerable populations seize AfCFTA opportunities.

Keywords : African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement; food security; small-scale farmers; vulnerable groups; agricultural trade liberalisation; right to food; food sovereignty; sustainable agriculture.

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