In Africa, agriculture is the most important sector in national economies. About 80 per cent of the active population works in agriculture. Further, apart from few exceptions, agriculture makes up more than 50 percent of gross national product. Nevertheless, Africa remains the only region in the world in which agricultural production declined between 1970 and 1980, when the growth rate was less than 2 per cent and moreover the gross national product (GNP) per head is one of the lowest in the world.

Le présent rapport a pour objectif d'examiner les résultats obtenus, de recenser les expériences novatrices et de fournir un cadre de discussion pour l'avenir. Cette politique s'expliquait par les choix politiques des dirigeants nationaux, le désir des gouvernements de pays nouvellement indépendants d'innover et d'agir rapidement, la nécessite d'apaiser les groupes de pression intérieurs, et, quelquefois, le manque de données fiables sur l'efficacité de ces systèmes au niveau de l'exploitation agricole.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the progress that has been achieved, identify innovatory experience and provide a frame for discussion on where to go next. Particular attention will be given to the benefits accruing to small farmers and livestock producers, particularly women. It will deal with policies and programmes in input supply and the provision of credit subject to the continuing constraints on the use of foreign exchange and government finance still prevailing m most African countries.

En ouvrant la 8e session du Comit FAO de la mise en valeur des forts dans les tropiques, qui a sig Rome au milieu de septembre 1987 (voir Le monde forestier), M. D.J. Walton, Directeur gnral adjoint de la FAO, a tabli un parallle entre la situation de la foresterie aujourd'hui et celle de l'agriculture pendant les annes 70. C'est seulement lorsque les responsables extrieurs au secteur agricole se sont rendu compte du cot social et conomique de l'abandon de ce secteur que les choses ont commenc changer.

This study assesses the economic implications of land ownership security in rural Thailand. It uses data from this country to rigorously analyze several aspects of land ownership security. It provides both qualitative and quantiative information on the effects of ownership security. The study presents a conceptual model and literature review and is followed by separate discussions on the evolution of land rights in Thailand; the study methodology and the nature of the data; and the credit market.

The document focuses on the growing demand for regional facilities for demographic research and training in Africa, the United Nations Economic commission for Africa approved, at its Ninth Session in 1968, the establishment of two new institutes, which would provide training and conduct research in the region. One of these was to serve the English-speaking Countries of Africa, taking into consideration the coverage of the Cairo Demographic Centre, and the need to avoid the duplication or facilities, while the other was to serve the French-speaking countries or Africa, south of Sahara.

Outlines the main effects of drought on crop producers and examines the effects of drought on crop producers and examines the effects of drought induced livestock losses on crop production and considers a range of policy measures aimed at rehabilitation of the farm sector in the post-drought period; compares alternative policy measures.

Outlines the principles and practices of fodder-bank establishment and management in the sub-humid zones of West Africa. Summarises data that indicate the benefit of fodder banks to subsequent crops.

This issue of Unasylva focuses on the fortieth anniversary of FAO - -and, in particular, on 40 years of work by FAO's Forestry Department. Here, and in the two issues that follow, we will, in addition to publishing articles on important forestry topics, be reprinting selected excerpts from early issues of Unasylva. This issue, for example, includes the major portion of an article from the very first Unasylva: "The disappearance of the tropical forests of Africa,'' by Andr Marie A.