Progress report on the establishment of an African centre of meteorological applications for development (ACMAD)

Abstract

The adverse impact of drought and desertification on the social and economic conditions of African countries was reviewed at the Scientific Round Table on the Climatic situation and drought in Africa in February 1984. As a result of that intensive inter-agency co-operation, the role of the impacts, of drought and desertification on the current social and economic crisis plaguing the African continent became clearly focused on the need for improved agricultural practices for sustainable food production and self-sufficiency. The position was highlighted in the ECA Special Memorandum on the Economic and Social Crises in Africa (1984), ECA's Second Special Memorandum on International Action for Relaunching the Initiative for Long-term Development and Economic Growth, in Africa which were presented to both the Economic and Social Council and the General Assembly, as well as to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity (OAU).