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Natural Resource and Food Import Dependence of Africa: Can Democracy Slowdown Dependence?

Author

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  • Sylvain B. Ngassam
  • Sandrine G. Douanla
  • Simplice A. Asongu

Abstract

Despite Africa's huge agricultural potential and natural resource abundance, the continent is paradoxically the most food import dependent and food unsecured in the world. Based on this paradoxical observation, this study seeks to analyze the effect of natural resources on food import dependence in a panel of 38 sub‐Saharan African countries over the period of 2000–2020. The following findings are established. First, natural resource‐dependent countries in Africa are associated with over‐reliance on food dependence. Second, oil and gas rents significantly accentuate food dependence while mineral rent reduces dependence. We find that this situation is reversible, as liberal, egalitarian, deliberative, and electoral democracies mitigate the effect of natural resources on food import dependence. These findings call for a rethinking of the food policy strategy in Africa. Therefore, we suggest that African governments should reduce their over‐reliance on food imports by implementing food import substitution strategies. This can be done by investing part of the revenues from natural resources in agricultural infrastructures and by strengthening institutions, especially democracy.JEL Classification: H11, L66, O55, Q50

Suggested Citation

  • Sylvain B. Ngassam & Sandrine G. Douanla & Simplice A. Asongu, 2025. "Natural Resource and Food Import Dependence of Africa: Can Democracy Slowdown Dependence?," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 33(3), pages 4204-4226, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:33:y:2025:i:3:p:4204-4226
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.3326
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government
    • L66 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Manufacturing - - - Food; Beverages; Cosmetics; Tobacco
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa
    • Q50 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Environmental Economics - - - General

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