African Development Strategy: Connecting the Chronically Poor to Economic Growth Emmy Simmons Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa IFAC, April 8, 2009 Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa Research-Based Advocacy for African Agricultural Development

Defining the Problem (1) CHRONIC POVERTY characterizes those who are poor for extended periods of time. Few assets, poor health Isolated – geographically, socially An intergenerational effect Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa

Defining the Problem (2) Chronic poverty = chronic food insecurity Even small setbacks can cause a food crisis or emergency “Emergency” approaches to addressing food insecurity are poorly-suited to meeting the needs of the chronically poor Economic growth – even agricultural growth – will only reach the chronically poor if special attention is paid: to their isolation, limited assets Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa

Reducing poverty, especially chronic poverty, requires a two-part strategy CONTINUING ASSISTANCE Protecting the most food- insecure Healthcare LONG TERM INVESTMENTS Infrastructure, esp. roads Market development Agricultural research and extension Capable and inclusive farmer organizations and cooperatives Mechanisms to improve social opportunities for the chronically poor Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa

Africa has endorsed such a two-part strategy…and made some progress CAADP Land and water management Market access – improved rural infrastructure and other trade-related interventions Food supply and hunger Agricultural research and technology dissemination

But Food Insecurity Remains a Critical Challenge for Africa POLITICAL INSTABILITY: Food riots in 2008 MACROECONOMIC IMBALANCES: Rising imports of food but low share of global exports INVESTMENT CAPITAL: An additional $40 billion for infrastructure/year $5 – 9 billion more toward research

Can the US do “more” and “better” in providing support to Africa? The subject of a recent US-African Forum hosted by the Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa Noted Africa’s commitment to increasing agricultural productivity and reducing hunger Built off President Obama’s commitment to “work alongside poor nations to make your farms flourish” But aware that public funding is tight Private investors are likely to have less capital and be more wary of risks ….No shortage of ideas for change! Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa

How US Assistance Programs Could be More Effective Adopt a coordinated, whole-of- government approach Embrace the African agenda Make strategic decisions as to where US support could be more effective Food aid : LRP, nutrition Capacity-building : education, science, research Business solutions to fighting poverty Expand economic infrastructure

…..More effective Engage African partners, support African institutional development Expand collaboration with other development partners – private sector as well as public Change management approaches: – more technical staff, – more incentives for long-term programming, – more monitoring/evaluation – more knowledge-based programs

Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa Research-Based Advocacy for African Agricultural Development