The Impact of Agricultural Policies on Rural Crime Rates in Sub-Saharan Africa
摘要
This chapter reports on a study that explored the relationships between agricultural policies and crime types such as theft, land disputes, and poaching in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The findings reveal that certain policies can positively and negatively affect crime rates. For example, improved land tenure security is associated with reduced land-related conflicts, while poorly designed subsidy programmes can exacerbate economic disparities and increase opportunistic crimes. In addition, shifts in agricultural practices and market access influence the incidence of resource-based crimes, including illegal hunting and logging. The study highlights the need for policymakers to consider the broader implications of agricultural policies on rural crime and aims to support the design of policies promoting agricultural sustainability and community safety in SSA.