Mr Shenggen Fan, Director General of International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), has appealed to African policymakers to ensure that the promotion of urbanisation did not lead to the neglect of agriculture.
He said in a statement that poor people, who often relied on farming to earn a living, are likely to suffer.
Te statement was a prelude to a two-day conference in Accra dubbed,“Understanding Economic Transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa,” and is
organised by IFPRI, under the auspices of the University of Ghana.
Experts would discuss important opportunities and challenges related to economic development, urbanisation and industrialization of Africa.
He said industrialization and urbanisation tended to go hand-in-hand with economic development and the transformation of these into the national economies would have a huge and positive impact on Africa’s future.
Mr Fan said “without appropriate policies, sufficient public investments in infrastructure, and adequate provision of critical social services, these changes would not necessarily accelerate economic growth or improve human welfare.”