President Uhuru Kenyatta calls for level playing ground for African farmers

NAIROBI: President Uhuru Kenyatta wants subsidies by rich nations that are hurting African farmers by locking them out of global markets scrapped.

 

Speaking at the 10th World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference in Nairobi yesterday, Uhuru asked the delegates to remove market distortions that are hurting developing countries and locking them out of the global markets.

"African farmers cannot compete against heavily subsidised farmers in developing countries. We must address distortions and align global trade with developing goals," he said, adding that distortions in the sector are depriving farmers the ability to compete at the global stage.

Kenyatta added his voice to the growing pressure from developing countries who want the tide turned against the developed nations in the access to international markets. In setting the tone for the conference, Uhuru said the ministerial conference should 'seize the opportunity and deliver for Africa'.

At the heart of the developing countries is the push for rich states to drop subsidies that make their agricultural products cheaper, rendering developed markets inaccessible even as the same products flood developing markets.

"I urge you to exercise flexibility in the spirit of delivering for all," he said, adding that trade is a key driver in dealing with poverty on the continent, which is a major recipe for economic and political instability as well as extremism.