UNCATD TAP Project Phase II Policy Maker’s Comments

1. UNCATD TAP ProjectPhase IIPolicy Maker’s Comments Mr. Suleman Adebayo AUDU Nigeria’s Trade Office, WTO.

2. The Selected Conclusions • The income of producers from the sales of the commodities declined. • The price reductions adversely affect domestic producers whose earnings from the sales fell due to the availability of cheaper imported goods. • Households that are engaged in the production of these goods and are closer to ports or borders of entry were more affected than those far from them. Comment • These conclusions actually depict the difficult situation of domestic agricultural producers given the food import dependence of the country, thereby displacing local producers and increase unemployment.

3. Selected Policy Recommendation – Usefulness and link with existing policies • The capacity of producers should be enhanced through an informed, integrated, and inclusive policy that would stimulate productivity and value addition – - This is very vital for the government since agricultural sector is going through revitalisation and would be suitable for the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of (ATA) of the government. - Besides, the policy recommendation can be used to incorporate farmers, private sector and other agro-allied entrepreneurs in the formulation and implementation of government agricultural policies, especially under ATA. - This is linked to government’s growth enhancement support (GES) programme that tends to improve agricultural production through deregulation policies, especially in seeds and fertilizer distribution • Social safety nets and security measures should also be put in place at the rural level, especially for vulnerable population, in order to mitigate these negative income effects. - The present adverse effects of the trade policy can only be immediately reduced through this recommendation. - This is in tandem with the proposed social safety net programme for the poor that will be supported by the World Bank - The recommendation is compatible with government programme of using agriculture to create jobs, wealth and food security under ATA.

4. Experience of work with Researcher • There was mutual trust, commitment, clear roles and expectations. • Both parties were clear about the intentions, assumptions and limitations at the start of the process. • Working together improve the likelihood of findings being applied in practice and decision making through a sense of ownership of the results.

5. Experience of work with Researcher • The collaboration lead to increased knowledge sharing. • The successful research collaboration may lead to sustained and productive partnership that survive beyond the life of the research project. • The research evidence is an important type of information needed in making a decision.

6. Experience of work with Researcher • Research evidence is only one source of information among many, and may conflict with policy makers' values and current political climate. • In addition to being term-limited positions, policy makers may also find that they are working with colleagues who have different perspectives regarding the value of research evidence.

7. Experience of work with Researcher • Researchers should apply themselves to problems that are of real relevance to practical policy-making rather than to issues that are of interest merely out of intellectual curiosity. • The asymmetry of information between policy makers and researchers can be substantially narrowed through closer interactions.