2011.11.5

Africa Blossoms

Page 41-44, TIME October 31, 2011

Introduction

I’ve been interested in poverty problem around the world, especially poorest region: Africa. One teacher in my department engaging in this problem in ethiopia have negative view over the commercialization of agriculture. Now how dose the TIME answer this issue?

SignSpotting

• African poor countries are undergoing broad-based agricultural revolution.
• What’s expected to be better and make another problems in the revolution.
• Why don’t things get alright smoothly and how they can be improved. 

Briefing

• Rising agricultural commodity price worldwide is pushing African developing countries into international trade market, where rich countries and high-growth countries are demanding a plenty of reasonable-price farm products. 
• Not only traders but farmers can take part in this commodity price boom and get profit from that, if they manage to run their business well. But contrarily some people like rural farmers get worse woking condition under the employment by foreign capitals. 
• All the problem in Africa’s agriculture arise from the world-least level productivity and the severe shortage of infrastructure for farming. This can be improved if Africa and their supporter in the world make good use of this  opportunity for broadening investment on the industrial base.

Opinion

There is a reason some researchers like my professor regard the commercializing movement in Africa as harmful rather than profitable for African farmers. Most of agricultural products traded in the international market are changing in its price because of speculation for the products and the connection with the world economy condition. This moment with rising commodity price looks very good for investment and support for farmers. But if the price falls (probably dose), who pay attention on world-poorest agricultural sector ? Africa’s agriculture should not depend only on the international trade.