Comparative Advantage of Food Crops Under Structural Adjustment in Nicaragua

Abstract

In most Latin American countries the agricultural sector plays a major economic role, not only producing food for domestic consumption but often also as the main source of hard currency through its production for export. Moreover, agriculture provides a large share of employment and is an important source of capital for the rest of the economy. Owing to major economic difficulties, since the 1980s most Latin American countries have had to implement structural adjustment programs (SAPs) led by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.