1.2: International Economic Development

SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TRADE CAPACITY BUILDING

Other Information:

The President’s 2002 National Security Strategy cites economic development as one of the top three priorities of U.S. foreign policy, joining diplomacy and defense. The strategy recognizes that economic and political instability associated with insufficient economic development is a major national security threat to the U.S. For most developing countries, particularly in Africa, a productive and sustainable agricultural sector supports economic well-being. Thus, targeted agricultural development is crucial to the President’s National Security Strategy. Activities that support economic development also play an important role in efforts to expand overseas market opportunities for American agriculture. Most future growth in food demand will occur in developing and middle-income countries, where population and income are growing relatively rapidly. As incomes increase in these countries, consumers spend a far greater proportion of the extra income on food compared to consumers in higher-income countries. Moreover, growing incomes also allow consumers to diversify their diets and purchase more high-value and processed food products. USDA deploys its unique resources and expertise in agricultural development activities. These activities include collaborative projects with the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Millennium Challenge Corporation, and other U.S. agencies and international organizations to advance market-based policies and institutions, trade and investment, sustainable agricultural systems, and research and education in developing countries. These activities are focused on improving agricultural productivity and markets as the engines for economic growth. USDA also helps developing countries increase trade and integrate their agricultural sector into the global economy through trade capacity building activities. Through a variety of training, technical assistance, and intergovernmental actions, these activities help to strengthen other countries’ agricultural institutions and regulatory systems, encourage participation in and compliance with international norms, and develop greater understanding of U.S. approaches to agricultural policy and regulatory procedures. The U.S. plays a leading role in global efforts to alleviate hunger and malnutrition, and enhance world food security through international food assistance activities. USDA contributes to these efforts by implementing a variety of assistance programs designed to support economic growth and development in recipient countries. Reducing hunger and malnutrition by adopting sustainable, productivity enhancing technologies and supporting agricultural reconstruction in post-conflict or post-disaster states also are priorities.

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