This paper focuses on the the main purpose of the seminar that was; To determine what is known of the economics of modern technical inputs in African agriculture in terms of the physical and value responses to expenditures on them; To identify those areas in which information vital to policy is lacking; To propose a specific programme for obtaining required data through the co-operation of research institutions.

The basic cause of needless poverty and hunger in the rural Africa to-day is the stagnation of its main economic base - agriculture. It has settled down to a low level of equilibrium of income, saving and investment over time. Hence, most of the rural people of the region is caught in a vicious circle of a poverty trap. They are below the "absolute poverty line". The country studies show all of them are food-deficit.

Prom several converging estimates, world's population is expected to reach 6.1 billion by the year 2000 or 1.7 billion more than in 1980. Most of the increase in population will be generated by developing countries in general and by African countries in particular. This means there will have to be a substantial increase in world food production of at least 50 percent.

This report seeks to look at both sides of the picture to help member countries gain an insight into the principal factors which facilitated or hindered the Plan's implementation during the period 1980-19*5. It has been prepared in response to ECA's 1986-1987 programme budget, which "quires, inter alia, an evaluation of the LPA's implementation m the food and agriculture sector within the biennium.

The importance of the agriculture sector in Africa, considered "both at production and employment levels is generally fully appreciated; in most African countries, especially in the South of Sahara, the share of agriculture in the GDP accounts for almost 40 per cent, and it is to be pointed out that 80 per cent of the population is living on this activity.

During the past two years, FAO provided assistance to requesting countries in the form of agricultural statisticians and census experts to about 20 African countries for assisting with the planning and conduct of agricultural surveys, the organization of agricultural statistical services, the establishment of systems of compiling current agricultural statistics and the training of local personnel.

This progress, however, has exposed the critical constraints and experiences in CAADP implementation. Implementation of country plans for results and impact has now put CAADP on the spot to demonstrate that the good policy environment provided can be translated into clear results, impact with clear growth, food security and increased incomes.

The objective of this report Is to take a closer look at the first of these two important issues underlying the human resources problem within the agriculture sector, and to suggest a strategy that would lead to a programme of action for guiding member states in their individual and collective efforts to achieving food self-sufficiency in the years ahead. The report begins with an over-view of the manpower situation and requirements within the sector by 1980 and what that picture could look like by the year 2000.

Au cours des deux dernières décennies, la situation alimentaire et

agricole en Afrique s'est radicalement détériorée. En moyenne, pour chaque personne habitant dans la région, l’accès aux produits alimentaires est actuellement beaucoup plus difficile qu'il y a dix ans, et les normes alimentaires moyennes sont tombées en-deçà, des besoins nutritionnels.

Agricultural Research Co-operation through Agricultural Research Programmes on Ecological Bases - Basic Principles and General Measures for Strengthening Co-operation. The development and the improvement of co-operation and co-ordination of technical and financial aid in the field of agricultural research, are problems of primary importance for agricultural development in Africa, Agricultural progress achieved in the more advanced countries has been obtained by continuing efforts in research and its application.

Les activites d'assistance technique de la FAO dans les pays d'Afrique

en matière de statistiques agricoles ont commencé en 1953.