Agricultural export restrictions or prohibitions (ER) have emerged as one of the most contentious issues in global trade governance, particularly amid recurring food crises, geopolitical instability, supply chain disruptions, climate-induced production shocks, and rising inflationary pressures. Such measures are widely criticized because they can undermine food security in importing countries, drive up international prices, disrupt global supply chains, and lead to missed opportunities for domestic traders and farmers.

Agriculture continues to play an important role in Africa’s socioeconomic development. However, its relative importance varies across the African continent. North Africa has a more diversified economic landscape, characterized by lower dependence on agriculture for income as well as employment. On the other hand, agriculture remains central to the economies of SubSaharan Africa, which accounts for approximately 80 per cent of continent’s land and 83 per cent of its population.

Abstract: This paper investigates the dynamics of public investment in agricultural R&D and scientific manpower, assesses their productivity outcomes across the BRICS countries, and explores opportunities for collaboration. There are significant inter-country disparities in R&D capacity, with China leading in both investment and manpower, followed by India. Notably, China’s research expenditure exceeds that of the US, and India is steadily narrowing the gap with the US.

Abstract: Mark Carney’s warning of “a rupture in the world order” captures the shifting foundations of the multilateral trading system ahead of the WTO’s Fourteenth Ministerial Conference (MC14). Once the anchor of a rules-based trade regime, the WTO is now grappling with both internal and external pressures.

Abstract: The multilateral trading system is facing growing institutional strain as the divergence between multilateral commitments and the trade policy practices of Members continues to widen. These tensions are particularly evident in the agriculture negotiations, where long-standing differences among Members have prevented meaningful progress despite repeated ministerial mandates. Agriculture remains a uniquely sensitive sector at the intersection of trade regulation, food security, and rural livelihoods, making reform complex.

Abstract: Public stockholding (PSH) for food security purposes remains one of the most persistent and unresolved issues in the agriculture negotiations of the World Trade Organization (WTO). In many developing countries, such programmes play a crucial role in supporting farmers’ livelihoods by ensuring stable prices and demand, stabilizing domestic food markets while enhancing food access for low-income households.