Africa could feed itself if trade restrictions were reduced and fertile land was put to good use, and according to the World Bank almost 20 million people are affected by hunger in the Sahel region of West Africa, the bank says.
WB says removing cross-border barriers would free up trade, reduce prices and generate billions of dollars for African governments.
Trade restrictions also raise the price of food to consumers and reduce the incentive for farmers to produce, as they receive only a small proportion of the end price.
High transport costs, including roadblocks and bribes at border posts, as well as strict rules restricting the use of high yielding seeds and more effective fertilisers, exacerbated the problem, the bank said.
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