Reviewing the Green Revolution strategy in view of lessons from Mexico and India–Africa

Abstract

The appropriateness of the new Green Revolution strategy for Africa has been challenged and donors have been called on to withdraw support and fund alternative approaches. Any revision of the strategy needs to be based on an analysis of the production system underlying the revolution and the early experiences of its implementation in the Global South. This paper provides such an analysis based on the experiences from Mexico and India, finding that the strategy has benefited the Global North and agribusiness but failed smallholders in Africa. A paradigm shift is needed to focus on approaches to provide economic development in Africa.