Pillar 04
More food traded between partner countries and regions, at stable prices and under fair agreements.
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Why it matters
Many developing countries depend on a few exporters for staple foods, so price shocks pass straight to consumers. Intra-Trade builds the contracts, agreements and price mechanisms that let neighbouring and partner countries trade more food with one another.
Our goal
Focus areas
Solutions
Each programme answers one part of the problem with a practical model. Click any block to open its page.
Governments should keep building a transparent, accountable and rules-based multilateral trading system, and explore distinct rules for low-income food-deficit countries.
AdvantagesReduces poverty and hunger in rural areas.
Explore →4.2An arrangement under which a farmer agrees to produce and sell a set quantity of a commodity at a future date.
AdvantagesFarmers are guaranteed buyers, buyers are guaranteed reliable supply, and prices can be agreed in advance.
Explore →4.3Trade is a key driver of development and food security. When an agreement is delayed, people pay the price.
AdvantagesWith the right agreements, food moves from where it can be produced to where it is needed.
Explore →Case studies
Evidence from different countries and regions that our programmes build on.
Regional trade agreements and the African Continental Free Trade Area are lowering barriers so food can move from surplus to deficit areas within the continent.
OutcomeUS$20 billion of intra-African agricultural trade in 2023, up from about US$6 billion in 2003.
Programmes
Each programme is delivered with governments and national and regional partners through an agricultural public-private partnership.
Mechanisms that reduce price swings for farmers and consumers, from storage reserves to forward contracts.
Explore →4.2Agreements between investors, buyers and farmers that guarantee offtake, inputs and storage.
Explore →4.3Bilateral and multilateral arrangements that lower barriers to food trade between partner countries.
Explore →4.4Evidence and policy work that puts food security and regional food trade on national agendas.
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