SITUATIONS ET TENDANCES Les agricultures familiales africaines face à la mondialisation : le défi d‘une autre transition

Abstract

Farming in Africa is facing an unprecedented situation that has arisen from the process of globalisation and the rapid growth of its agricultural population over the last quarter of the 20th century. Paradoxically, Africa finds itself marginalised in commercial exchanges while at the same time African agricultural and rural development remain strategic fields for public policies which must take into account the specific demographic and economic structure of the continent. The problem of the type of agriculture that could accompany the required economic transition in Africa is under debate. While some stakeholders and decision-makers support the development of agri-business, the vast majority of farmers' organisations defend family agriculture as the main pathway to development, since it provides jobs and incomes for the greatest number. However, these organisations face an unfair contest against the other private stakeholders that have emerged from the process of liberalisation. It is clear therefore that the reconstruction of public policies on a foundation including a real contribution from rural people cannot be envisaged until the organisations' capacities to make proposals and to negotiate have been strengthened.