The effect of integration, global value chains and international trade on economic growth and food security in ECOWAS

Abstract

This study analyzes the potential of regional integration through the advantage of global value chains in accelerating economic growth and achieving food security. This study examines whether countries must develop strategies to raise international trade or adopt policies to reinforce regional trade. The study estimates two models with panel fixed effects. The findings support that regional integration needs to strengthen and better promoted to stimulate the potential of each country to move from discontinuous to sustained growth. International trade is not the better solution for ECOWAS countries to boost economic growth.

Keywords

• food security
• economic growth
• trade openness
• regional integration
• value chain