Horticultural exports and food security in developing countries

• Published in: Global food security Vol. 10; pp. 11 - 20
• Main Authors: Van den Broeck, Goedele, Maertens, Miet
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.09.2016
• Subjects: Agri-food system transformation; Contract-farming; Food security; High-value food exports; Labor markets; Poverty reduction; Labor markets; Contract-farming; Poverty reduction; Agri-food system transformation; High-value food exports; Food security
• ISSN: 2211-9124; 2211-9124
• DOI: 10.1016/j.gfs.2016.07.007

This article reviews the channels through which horticultural exports affect food security in developing countries. We describe the trends in horticultural export chains and investigate the macro- and micro-level effects on the different components of food security, including availability, access, utilization and stability. The available evidence suggests that horticultural exports contribute to food security in developing countries, particularly through the development of rural labor markets and female wage employment in companies. Important challenges remain; most notably the provision of secure employment at remunerative conditions and the sustainable use of water resources. Overcoming these challenges requires tighter national legislation but also private food standards may contribute. Empirical evidence that directly measures the impact of horticultural exports on food security and the underlying impact pathways is still completely missing and highly needed. •There is no evidence on the direct impact of horticultural exports on food security.•Horticultural export growth does not necessarily jeopardize food availability.•Horticultural exports foster household food security, especially through employment.•Concerns remain about employment conditions and sustainable use of water resources.