UNCATD TAP Project Phase II Policy Maker’s Comments Mr. Suleman Adebayo AUDU Nigeria’s Trade Office, WTO.

The Selected Conclusions The income of producers from the sales of the commodities declined. The price reductions adversely affect domestic producers whose earnings from the sales fell due to the availability of cheaper imported goods. Households that are engaged in the production of these goods and are closer to ports or borders of entry were more affected than those far from them. Comment These conclusions actually depict the difficult situation of domestic agricultural producers given the food import dependence of the country, thereby displacing local producers and increase unemployment.

Selected Policy Recommendation – Usefulness and link with existing policies The capacity of producers should be enhanced through an informed, integrated, and inclusive policy that would stimulate productivity and value addition – - This is very vital for the government since agricultural sector is going through revitalisation and would be suitable for the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of (ATA) of the government. - Besides, the policy recommendation can be used to incorporate farmers, private sector and other agro-allied entrepreneurs in the formulation and implementation of government agricultural policies, especially under ATA. - This is linked to government’s growth enhancement support (GES) programme that tends to improve agricultural production through deregulation policies, especially in seeds and fertilizer distribution Social safety nets and security measures should also be put in place at the rural level, especially for vulnerable population, in order to mitigate these negative income effects. - The present adverse effects of the trade policy can only be immediately reduced through this recommendation. - This is in tandem with the proposed social safety net programme for the poor that will be supported by the World Bank - The recommendation is compatible with government programme of using agriculture to create jobs, wealth and food security under ATA.

Experience of work with Researcher There was mutual trust, commitment, clear roles and expectations. Both parties were clear about the intentions, assumptions and limitations at the start of the process. Working together improve the likelihood of findings being applied in practice and decision making through a sense of ownership of the results.

Experience of work with Researcher The collaboration lead to increased knowledge sharing. The successful research collaboration may lead to sustained and productive partnership that survive beyond the life of the research project. The research evidence is an important type of information needed in making a decision.

Experience of work with Researcher Research evidence is only one source of information among many, and may conflict with policy makers' values and current political climate. In addition to being term-limited positions, policy makers may also find that they are working with colleagues who have different perspectives regarding the value of research evidence.

Experience of work with Researcher Researchers should apply themselves to problems that are of real relevance to practical policy-making rather than to issues that are of interest merely out of intellectual curiosity. The asymmetry of information between policy makers and researchers can be substantially narrowed through closer interactions.