January 23 2006

"If the price in the Kenya market was $2 per kilo of maize, the American farmer would lose money accepting this price, when his/her costs are $3 per kilo. Instead of withdrawing from the market and producing something else, cutting costs or leaving farming altogether, American farmers appeal to the public -- the American people -- and the U.S. government and claim that they can only continue to exist with help."

Professor Whitlock discussed the agreements arrived at during the WTO meetings held in Hong Kong in December 2005. He presented the lecture to over 400 students, staff and alumni of Strathmore University . The lecture served as an eye opener for many of the attendants of what really goes on in international trade negotiations. He did not mince words to describe the low volume Africa contributes to global trade. "If Africa was to threaten to pull out of the WTO, America and Europe will just yawn. After all, Africa as a whole contributes only 3.4% of global trade." Prof. Whitlock spoke mainly on subsidies, food security and access for Less Developed Countries (LDC's). "There is not -- never was and never will be --any such thing as a level playing field. A country has to deal with problems and opportunities it inherits, and has to make the best of them. No one is listening and no one will ever be swayed in the ways you hope, by your complaints." Thus the message is clear: Kenya needs to work hard!

The lecture was organized by Strathmore Business School .

Link to the presentation given. Click here