Links between international trade, local food production, and household living standards: Empirical insights from West Africa

Sustainable food production, responsible consumption, poverty reduction, and decent living standards are important global objectives reflected in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In achieving these goals, agricultural trade plays a major role. Research has shown that benefits from trade liberalization include poverty alleviation, decreasing food prices due to production advantages and competition, and an increased variety of and access to food products. In the light of continuing poverty and food insecurity in low- and middle-income countries, imports and exports ar...