Transmission Channels of Macroeconomic Conditions to Food Security in West and Central Africa

Abstract

The agricultural sector is a cornerstone of economic growth and food security in West and Central Africa, employing around 60% of the population and contributing 17% to Sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP. Despite substantial growth in agricultural output, the sector faces persistent challenges including low productivity, limited technological adoption, inadequate infrastructure, and climate shocks. Recent global crises, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict, have further exacerbated food insecurity, now affecting nearly 55 million people during peak seasons. Governments have responded with various policies and investments, yet fiscal constraints and rising public debt hinder progress. This study explores the complex relationship between macroeconomic policies and food security, emphasizing the importance of integrated, evidence-based approaches in the context of constrained public resources and evolving food systems.