Issues In Commodity Stabilization In Africa’

Abstract

I shall discuss some major topics of commodity stabilization in underdeveloped countries, especially Africa, principally by setting out issues rather than by reviewing past policies or advocating courses of action, though these will also figure, albeit incidentally. This distribution of emphasis seems appropriate to the functions of the economist, especially in a conference paper designed to introduce and promote discussion. My major, but not exclusive, concerns will be in the national, territorial context, rather than with international aspects, as governments of under-developed countries and their technical advisers are more directly concerned with the former. Moreover, major problems and dilemmas in this sphere are thrown into clearer relief when examined on a local level.

I have had much help from Professor B. S. Yamey in the preparation of this paper.