This paper explores the relationship between commodity dependence and human development measured by the human development index (HDI). Commodity dependence negatively affects human development through several channels, including the negative secular terms of trade affecting commodity-dependent developing countries (CDDCs), slow economic growth, high macroeconomic instability, and political instability. The paper finds that although the effect of commodity dependence on human development is negative, on average, this relationship is complex. It changes with the level of dependence as well as the type of commodity a country depends on. This negative effect is strongest in countries where commodities account for more than 60 percent of total merchandise exports.

No abstract

No abstract

KeywordsCocoa markets farmers price transmission error correction model A B S T R A C TThe paper analyses cocoa farmers' integration into global markets taking into account trade reforms in five cocoa producing countries. The analysis investigates price transmission mechanisms from world to domestic cocoa markets in the context of trade liberalizing policy reforms. The empirical analysis of this study is carried out within the framework of the Error Correction Model. The results, while being mixed, suggest that the reforms have increased the exposure of farmers to world cocoa markets. However, this development is not associated with significant increases in the share of the world price accruing to farmers in cocoa major producing countries. For a sustainable cocoa economy, policies that create an enabling environment for farmers are critical.

No abstract