Impact of agricultural policy on food security : an agricultural sector modelling approach for Benin

This paper makes use of a recursive agricultural sector model to assess the impact of the economic and agricultural reforms undertaken under different Structural Adjustment Programmes (SAP) on food security in Benin. The most relevant food security indicators included in the model are food production and its consequences with regard to rural income changes, changes in food composition at the rural level and the caloric intake of urban consumers. The results show that while the reforms improved nominal income for almost all types of farmers, especially cotton producers and among them particularly those with animal traction, the social costs in terms of urban welfare decline have been high, notably for low and medium-income groups. Simulated food prices under reforms are higher than those without, which has led to a decrease in urban consumers'caloric intake (as a percentage of FAO recommended caloric requirements), especially that of low and medium-income households. The results show the high vulnerability of poor consumers: since their intake was very close to the FAO minimum requirements, any external shock in the form of higher food prices endangers their food security. The results have been confirmed by our findings from the survey carried out in 1997 in the Borgou Province, the most important agricultural production area of the country, where the reforms have contributed to a decrease in food production and marketing in favour of cotton production. To mitigate the negative effects of SAP on poor urban consumers, who are the main losers, vitally important measures which could be recommended include employment or food for work programmes, and promotion of private sector development (résumé des auteurs)