How trade can drive inclusive and sustainable vegetable sector development in Africa: options for Dutch policy support

This report discusses the role of trade in addressing global challenges of food security and sustainable production, first within a general food system framework context, followed by an application of this framework on the opportunities in African countries to increase vegetable production. The report concludes with a reflection of implications of findings for the Dutch food security policies. Potential options for Dutch development assistance to support the horticultural sector in Africa and to stimulate associated trade evolve around further enhancing participation of smallholder farmers in horticultural markets (inclusivity), further developing and adhering to food safety standards also in domestic markets (safe nutrition) and mitigating environmental trade-offs (environmental sustainability).