Fresh insights from new research shaping Africa’s food systems, resilience, and economic development
Key Insight of the Week
Strengthening agrifood value chains under multiple shocks
Violent conflict and extreme weather events increasingly disrupt agrifood markets across parts of Africa. But which policy responses do market actors themselves see as most effective?
A recent study by IFPRI examines the preferences of maize wholesalers in #Nigeria regarding policies to prevent or mitigate the effects of conflict and weather shocks on their trade. Drawing on survey data from 300 wholesalers across major maize markets in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Plateau, and Oyo states, the research evaluates how traders rank different policy options.
Featured Report of the Week
Addressing conflict and weather shocks in agrifood value chains: Policy preferences of Nigerian maize wholesalers
Key findings include:
- Strong preference for road security measures to address conflict-related disruptions
- High support for flood-proofing infrastructure to mitigate weather shocks
- Broad value placed on cash relief following shocks
- Differences in priorities across groups, with women wholesalers placing greater emphasis on public infrastructure and more educated traders favoring market-based solutions such as insurance and loans
These results highlight the importance of tailored policy responses that reflect both the types of shocks affecting value chains and the characteristics of the market actors involved. Read the study [Link]
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About Evidence for Africa
Evidence for Africa highlights every week recent IFPRI research and insights relevant to the continent’s food systems, economic development, and policy priorities.