Ajustement structurel et ouverture des marchés: moins de pénuries, mais de nouveaux risques alimentaires

• Published in: Revue canadienne d'études du développement 1998-01, Vol.19 (4), p.123-139
• Main Author: Courade, Georges
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0225-5189; 2158-9100
• DOI: 10.1080/02255189.1998.9669781

As a result of neo-liberal globalization, especially structural adjustment plans, the market is becoming the dominant mode of regulation in the food trade. In landlocked southern countries, the lifting of trade barriers-the state's protective mechanisms-are now giving way to "imperfect" agri-food markets that have been corrupted by many power struggles. We are witnessing a declining independence of supply in many countries that previously aspired to self-sufficiency, and a de-territoralization based on potentially risky comparative advantages. While the decline of planned economies and the devaluation of currency does have some positive impact, new risks to food security associated with the appearance of new uncertainties or with the worsening of existing weaknesses are emerging because of specific liberalization measures. While the advanced state has shown its limits, the market cannot solve all the problems of individuals' physical and economic access to food in landlocked countries or in societies torn apart by crisis, particularly for poor people without strong social support. One may conclude, as have some liberal ideologists, that total liberalization (and only liberalization) must be achieved or that the "state as citizen" should be redefined to regulate food trade, set social policy and establish and maintain the infrastructure. Regardless, macro-economic and local scales must be better integrated to reduce the food-security risks, particularly those that have emerged as a result of widespread trade liberalization.