Commercial imports of dairy products into sub-Saharan Africa have increased sixfold over the last decade to reach $ 707 million (1981) net of exports plus another $ 140 million (1981) value equivalent of food aid in dairy products. The sub-continent as a whole thereby imports roughly 30% of its total milk consumption. These imports are not evenly distributed: West Africa imports 46% of its needs and Central Africa 52%. This paper describes the present situation and indicates how national governments influence the level of dairy imports
After a description of the development of African dairy imports the factors that have influenced their recent tremendous increase are noted. The role of national policies with their objectives and instruments, and possible effects, are discussed both in a theoretical context and with examples of actual policies pursued. The paper ends with a brief assessment of how further research may help solve some of the problems that have arisen.
From the data it is obvious that some countries have an alarming dependence on dairy imports, particularly in the form of food aid. No single contributing factor is readily apparent but, in some countries, national policies have a decisive influence. Disincentives to domestic milk production have to be assumed, particularly in those countries where direct competition between reconstituted milk from imported milk powder plus butter-oil and local production occurs. However, in the absence of milk price data and reliable production statistics no further conclusions can be reached. In-depth studies of individual countries and the effects of their national policies on the dairy sector will provide more insight and may be applicable to other African countries.
