Globalization and Poverty in Senegal: A Worst Case Scenario?

There is no consensus about how globalization –trade and foreign investments – affects poverty reduction. Using household survey data, this study contributes to the empirical literature on globalization and poverty by analyzing the household-level implications of increased foreign investments and trade in the horticulture sector in Senegal. In many aspects this represents what many would consider a “worst-case scenario”. Stringent rich country standards are imposed on exports and the supply chain is controlled by a single multinational company with extreme levels of supply base consolidation, full vertical integration and complete exclusion of smallholder suppliers. We analyze and quantify income and poverty effects under these “worst-case conditions” and find significant positive welfare impacts through employment creation and labor market participation.