Despite the negative picture sketch above, new developments are emerging which could positively influence the ability of Africa to transform its agricultural sector. This section reviews some of these positive trends in agriculture that present the first signs of a reversal of decades of decline and a deepening food crisis. Section 4 will, however, also highlight certain key developments that could deepen the food crisis and reverse all positive gains mentioned here.
The positive agriculture-specific trends discussed here include a stronger commitment to agricultural and rural development; significantly improved price incentives for agricultural producers as a consequence of unified exchange rates, lower levels of industrial protection, and sharply reduced export taxation; and finally more rapid income growth, especially in urban areas.