Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to highlight principles for agrarian economics in Africa based on the dialogue between agrarian philosophy in Africa and agrarian traces in Adam Smith’s work The nature and causes of the wealth of nations [1776]. I will argue that the importance of community and society in the work of Smith is a vital point of departure for dialogue between agrarian philosophy in Africa and classic economics. The dialogue attempts to provide perspective on the issues of underdevelopment and resource dependence in Africa that are barriers to sustainable agrarian economics. Further, agrarian economics may provide alternative views to the sometimes exploitative and narcissistic tendencies associated with capitalism that are wrongly associated with the work of Smith. The analysis of the interlocutors is appreciative and value-driven, which highlights that the role of ethics, multi-sectoral development and justice are core aspects of sustainable agrarian economics in Africa.