Decarbonization and Prospects for Agriculture in Africa’s Oil-Rich Economies

The RCGA International and Global Colloquium series presents Obie Porteous, Middlebury Assistant Professor of Economics, and the lecture “Decarbonization and Prospects for Agriculture in Africa’s Oil-Rich Economies.”

As the global economy starts to shift away from fossil fuels, Nigeria, Angola, and other oil-rich countries in sub-Saharan Africa are facing declining oil revenues and working to diversify their economies away from oil. Economic theory suggests that falling resource revenues should stimulate the tradable agricultural sector. Professor Porteous’s talk explores the extent to which this is true in a context in which farmers are isolated from the world market by high trade costs. Household survey data from Nigeria shows a significant shift into agriculture in recent years, but this response is uneven and varies with exposure to international markets. Policy simulations with a calibrated model show that lowering trade costs and boosting agricultural productivity can help offset the lost income from oil.

Sponsored by the Rohatyn Center for Global Affairs, the International and Global Colloquium offers students, faculty, and staff the opportunity to learn about global and international research activities. Speakers include Middlebury College faculty and alumni, as well as other scholars and professionals in the global arena.

To join this webinar, use this Zoom link or visit the Rohatyn Center for Global Affairs events.