A MULTI-PERSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF AGRICULTURAL POLICIES IN WEST AFRICA: POLICY STRATEGIES FOR RETHINKING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze agricultural policies and their changes through a multi-perspective approach and suggest the policy strategies for rethinking Sustainable Agricultural Development (SAD) in West Africa. To reach the study's goal, this paper investigates the structural changes and trends of agricultural policy, the key elements of current agricultural policy, the policy challenges, and instruments suitability. In the study, qualitative analysis was used as a primary research tool. Within this framework, a comprehensive approach enabling holistic assessment, including multi-perspective analysis and the acronym EFFECTIVE as assessment criteria for each policy tool, has been employed. The study results showed that there have been significant changes in West African agriculture over the years in production, modernization and mechanization, agro-food processing, marketing and trade, financing, and policies. Despite these changes, agricultural policies implemented so far could not solve food security, agricultural development, and rural development. Therefore, it is necessary to rethink SAD through a comprehensive agricultural policy approach that simultaneously considers elements, activities, and outcomes of any sub-sector of the agricultural system. The policy strategies should be oriented toward practical and clearly described sub-policies, including specific tools and instruments and strategies related to financing, productivity, cooperation system, and governance for any sub-division of agriculture. Keywords: Agricultural policies, multi-perspective analysis, policy strategies, sustainable, agricultural development, west Africa.