International Trade and Agricultural Outputs in Ecowa: A Study of Nigerian and Ghana

This study examines the impact of international trade on agricultural outputs in ECOWAS, with focus on Nigeria and Ghana from 1990 to 2022. Using panel data and a fixed effects regression model, the study measured agricultural productivity with Food Production Index (FPI) and measured international trade with exports, imports, trade openness, inflation, exchange rates, and land availability. The findings show that, agricultural exports and trade openness positively and significantly influence output, supporting the export-led growth hypothesis. In contrast, imports and inflation exert negative effects, with imports highlighting structural dependence on foreign food supply. Agricultural land remains a key driver of output, while exchange rate fluctuations appear negative but insignificant. The results suggest that, strengthening agricultural exports, reducing reliance on imports, and stabilizing macroeconomic conditions are crucial for enhancing productivity in Nigeria and Ghana. The study provides policy insights for improving agricultural performance and deepening ECOWAS regional integration.