Agricultural market liberalization and structural adjustment in sub‐saharan Africa

This paper explores the linkages between structural adjustment and the liberalization of agricultural marketing in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). It examines the nature of structural problems, which have been manifested in stagnating output and balance of payments difficulties. Policy responses are described, in terms of short term macroeconomic stabilization and longer term growth‐oriented adjustment policies. The process of structural adjustment in Africa is surveyed, and policies and stages in the liberalization of markets are considered. Debates on agricultural marketing in SSA are reviewed. This leads into an analysis of the specific issues which arise while marketing policy reform proceeds as an integral part of structural adjustment strategies.