Food and agriculture in Africa : staff paper No. 11

Abstract

A common strategy adopted in African countries to cope with problems of food insecurity is that of building up buffer stocks particularly at the national level. The purpose of this is to stabilize both food supplies and food prices. When food is scarce and prices escalate the stock is drawn down. Conversely, when food supplies are abundant and prices fall the stock is increased. The paper is intended to benefit a cross-section of research institutions and specialists, its primary targets are development planners and policy-makers working in, or attached to, the public sector and inter-governmental organizations. In particular, the paper is intended for civil servants at national ministries of agriculture, trade and commerce as well as development planning and finance.