Integrated Assessment Of The Impact Of Trade Liberalization

This publication sets out an integrated assessment of the economic, social and environmental impacts of rice production in Nigeria within the framework of trade liberalisation, particularly the WTO Agreement on Agriculture (AoA). This is part of an UNEP research project which has also examined impacts on other rice producing countries including China, Colombia, Senegal and Indonesia.

China is one of the world's largest cotton producing and consuming countries, accounting for more than 20 per cent of world production and almost the same level of world consumption. This study considers the economic, social and environmental impact of China's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) upon its cotton sector; and provides recommendations for trade liberalisation policies which aim to help promote the sustainable development of this market.

Nigeria has implemented trade policies aimed at diversifying its economy, away from a dependence on oil resources. Agriculture has become a key part of the non-oil sector, with cocoa, rubber, fish, forestry products and cotton being the main agricultural commodities for export. This case study considers the environmental impact of trade liberalisation policies and the related social and economic effects, focusing on the cocoa and rubber sectors, with suggestions to help promote a sustainable agricultural trade policy.

This conference proceedings examines how to assess the environmental effects of trade liberalisation agreements.