“We’re from the Government and we’re here to help” part II
Reason highlights how governments around the world starve their populations by trying to “help”:
According to the UN FAO there are 200 million underfed people in Africa, yet average tariffs on agricultural goods between Sub-Saharan African countries are 34%.
Nigeria has actually banned imports of various staples at different times, including wheat, rice, maize and vegetable oil.
Average fertilizer use in poorer countries is 107kg per hectare. In Africa it is only 8kg (yes, eight). Tariffs on fertilizer imports are a major reason for this low use-rate.
The removal of subsidies to biofuels (including requirements to include a proportion of such fuel in petrol and diesel – such as those being implemented in the EU) would also reduce food prices and must be a priority for rich countries.
Some countries have recently imposed tariffs and bans on exports of foods. While such trade restrictions temporarily reduce local prices, they increase prices in importing countries, result in reciprocal bans, and reduce the incentives to produce those foods in the next season – leading to reduced global supplies.
Just remember the hundreds of millions that have died in Communist Nations because of their agricultural/political policies.