Problems of Farmers in the Countries of North and East Africa Under Import Dependence: Classification

Abstract

The article systematizes the problems of farms households in North and East African countries under conditions of import dependence. The methodological foundation of the study incorporates four key concepts: institutional theory, food security theory, sustainable development theory, and import dependence theory. Their comprehensive application made it possible to examine both macroeconomic and microeconomic factors that shape the vulnerability of the region’s farming households to external market fluctuations. The article employs methods of systems analysis, content analysis of strategic documents, and classification, which enabled the identification of the primary groups of farmers’ problems: those directly related to import dependence (e.g., high cost of imported goods, lack of modern technologies and equipment), indirectly related (lack of investments, low profitability, land degradation), as well as independent of imports (political barriers, low educational levels, underdeveloped infrastructure). The proposed classifications take into account the nature of these issues (systemic or operational) and their level of manageability (resolvable at the level of farming households, the state, or requiring international cooperation). It is revealed that addressing these problems necessitates a comprehensive approach that combines reforms in agricultural policy, the development of local infrastructure and cooperatives, improvement in farmers’ education, and the introduction of innovative technologies. The findings can be used to formulate a sustainable development strategy for the agro-industrial complex of North and East African countries aimed at reducing import dependence and enhancing food security.