Brazilian agribusiness facing African food insecurity

Abstract

Brazilian agriculture has achieved high production levels in recent years. In contrast, agricultural production in Africa is low, but it shows great potential. This paper discusses the agricultural profiles of the main regions of Africa as well as the agribusiness partnership established between Africa and Brazil. This research is based on descriptive analysis of data collected in official agencies, such as FAO, the World Bank, the United Nations, and the Africa-Brazil Institute. This study points collaborative projects currently active in the agribusiness partnership between Africa and Brazil. Several active collaborative projects are located in Western and Eastern Africa, which are problematic and unstable regions. We argue that Brazil can help African development through a sharp focus on both elementary and emancipatory projects. Thus, attention to Middle Africa should focus on political and conflict instabilities, since these problems might prevent a collaborative partnership with the Brazilian agribusiness sector. The main limitation of this study is that it is based on vague data obtained in official agencies. Another limitation is the absence of details about the active projects. This paper is an important contribution to the literature regarding food security, political instability, and economic development in Africa. It suggests the need for a better alignment between political and private efforts focused on the alleviation of urgent problems.