The plantation sector: structural issues long-term prospects

Abstract

The plantation sector has experienced a significant structural change since independence, much of which can be attributed to the national emphasis on industrialisation, events in the international market, and the stance of public policy. From being one of the leading sectors in the national economy, the plantation sector has now been relegated to play a supplementary, complementary and supportive role to industrial development. Meanwhile, a range of major structural and marketing issues have surfaced which have affected the comparative advantage position and the competitiveness of the sector. Further adjustment, consolidation and rationalisation of the sector thus becomes inevitable if its development is to be sustained.