SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This article proposes a strategy of development for southern Africa that is an alternative to the neo‐liberal orthodoxy, one in which regional economic integration is a central feature. The first section reviews the debate over orthodox adjustment and reaches the conclusion that IMF and World Bank stabilisation and structural adjustment programmes have demonstrably failed to achieve their stated outcomes. Then, evidence is presented to support the view that there is considerable potential for agricultural trade among the countries of the region. This is followed by a discussion of development strategy on a regional basis which fosters both export growth and domestic production for import‐replacement.