In West Africa, approximately 16 million people depend directly or indirectly on cotton cultivation. Cotton plays a vital role in the economic and social development of many countries, and in improving the livelihoods of the inhabitants. It has also enabled West Africa to become a major player...

In West Africa, approximately 16 million people depend directly or indirectly on cotton cultivation. But subsidies in the developed world have suppressed cotton prices and have made it difficult for West African producers to compete. Compounding the problem, WTO negotiations on the problem have...