CIAO DATE: 03/2012
February 2012
Danish Institute for International Studies
When do ruling elites take policy initiatives to promote productive sectors? This DIIS working paper coming from the research project on Elites Production and Poverty argues that they do so when it helps them remain in power. The paper explains the differences in ruling elite support for the fisheries and dairy sectors in Uganda. Although production in Uganda has not generally been promoted in any sustained way, ruling elites have to varying degrees supported the dairy and fisheries sectors. The paper shows that the ruling elite initially supported the fishing industry because of industry pressure. They have failed to enforce fisheries management because there are big political costs associated with such enforcement. The dairy sector in the southwestern milk region was initially supported because the ruling elite wanted to build a coalition of support in this region. Coming from the region himself, the president had a keen interest in dairy cattle. The sector was subsequently regulated because the biggest processor put pressure on the ruling elite to do so. Even when the ruling coalition is fragmented, promoting production is possible if there is strong industry pressure and when the initiatives to promote the sector are also seen to help build or maintain the ruling coalition. The paper can be used to gain insights into the importance of understanding the political context of economic development.
Resource link: When do ruling elites support productive sectors? Explaining policy initiatives in the fisheries and dairy sectors in Uganda [PDF] - 521K