Agricultural trade remains an important part of overall economic activity and continues to play a major role in domestic agricultural production and employment. Hence, it’s no surprise for agriculture trade to be the centre of contention in the current World Trade Organisation (WTO) Doha round of trade negotiations.

On 7 and 8 November 2007, a training workshop on the WTO disciplines on agriculture was conducted. Over 25 participants from all over Africa attended the workshop which was held in Namibia.

The regional workshop on agriculture aimed to disseminate information about the Agreement on Agriculture (subsidies, domestic support, market access and export competition); inform participants on the agriculture negotiations in the DDA; report on the work of the Committee on Agriculture; and provide analysis of specific trade-related concerns on trade on agriculture for the region, among other things.

Over and above the discussions that were held, participants were also given exercises to ensure a better understanding of the concepts and disciplines that were introduced in the workshop.

In addition, this technical assistance activity created the opportunity for participants to exchange experiences and to strengthen networks among themselves and with the WTO. Ultimately, the regional workshop increased awareness about key issues which will assist countries on the DDA agriculture negotiations and, consequently, improve their engagement in the Multilateral Trade System.