IFDC’s economic and policy development experts regularly offer policy advice and assistance in such areas as subsidies, trade reforms, financial sector growth and macro-agricultural policies. IFDC has provided policy development assistance to numerous countries in the form of market assessment studies, policy dialogue and advice, policy and trade studies and general agricultural market intelligence.
Highly skilled members of IFDC’s economic and policy development team are experienced in general economics, trade economics, social science/agronomy and sociology among other disciplines, and have provided economic and policy assistance in the following areas:
Market Assessment Studies
Over the last decade, many developing countries and transitional economies have moved from public sector agro-input supply monopolies to private sector-led input supply systems. However, private sector capacity, in most cases, is not robust nor mature enough to support and sustain adequate input supply and distribution – leaving many of these nations’ input markest underdeveloped and dysfunctional. IFDC assists these nations by developing assessments of market conditions and preparing projects to strengthen the functionality of their newly privatized input markets.
Policy Dialogue and Advice
Distorted and non-conducive policy environments have stunted or prevented the growth of the agricultural sectors in many developing countries. IFDC is regularly involved in offering policy advice in several areas including subsidies, trade reforms, financial sector growth and macro-policy issues.
Policy and Trade Studies
In order to ensure the development of sound and practical advice, IFDC conducts studies on an ongoing basis regarding policy and trade issues related to agricultural subsidies, World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements, environmental protection, food security and the global fertilizer industry outlook.
Market Intelligence
Information is a key to sustainable agro-economic development. To ensure that stakeholders continue to be informed about emerging market opportunities, IFDC staff members prepared regular fertilizer outlook studies and maintained detailed data regarding fertilizer use and supply at national, regional and global levels.
Project Design, Development and Support
Based on sound analytics derived from ongoing economic research and development efforts, IFDC is well-positioned to design and implement projects that include strategic market development and policy reform components. This ensures that the Center’s projects are targeted, holistic and inclusive of the critical issues facing the developing countries that IFDC serves.
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Lobby workshop in Ghana