Rural industries for processing agricultural and horticultural products

Abstract

Africa's economy is for a great part based on agriculture, and industrialization must, therefore, play a significant role in promoting economic growth. In economic development programs, the agricultural sector is most often of critical importance in any attempt at industrialization. The processing of agricultural products, therefore, must receive a high priority in such development plans, which should aim at a simultaneous development of agriculture, rural agricultural processing and other industries. FAO has been instrumental in a number of projects that either pave the way for further rural industrialization, or deal directly with industries that make use of agricultural and horticultural products and raw materials. The objective of providing the people with a larger quantity of goods and services is presently fully accepted as a criterion of economic development, and is indicative of the changes in the balance of world opinion, and in its new orientation has led to the obligation prescribed in the charter of the United Nations (Article 55) for all member states to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom.