Policies and Legislations Governing Marketing and Food Trade: Southern Africa

Abstract

Trade policies and trade agreements support smooth trading among participating partners. The globalization of markets and the expansion of free-trade agreements have encouraged many areas of the world to consider regional integration as a means to better compete in the world economy. Thus regional integration has allowed several different countries to come together and form common markets. International institutions such as World Customs Organization (WCO), World Trade Organization (WTO) provide guidance on the formulation of policies and legislations governing marketing and trade among countries WTO requires regional trade agreements to reduce tariffs between countries, but does not allow these countries to increase tariffs on countries which are not part of the agreement. Many countries in Africa including those in SADC have embraced market-based food systems and market reforms to enhance farm profitability. Organs such as the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and Southern African Customs Union (SACU) have been formed and are active in trade liberalization in Southern Africa region. Namibia, an emerging free market area has put in place several policies and enacted a variety of legislations to protect, guide and enhance trade in its agricultural sector. Namibia heavily depends on trade through which she imports food products to meet the shortfall in her locally produced foods. Meanwhile, Namibia is vigorously working towards self-sufficiency in food production through her Green Schemes and other undertakings discussed in chapters two, three, five and seven of this book. Despite the concerted efforts being made, there are many constraints that face the country which dictate that Namibia continue to depend on food imports.