International factors affecting the choice of technology and employment in Africa: report No. 3

Abstract

The principal speaker and the discussant presented a comprehensive and penetrating review of international factors affecting the choice of technology and employment in Africa. It was noted first that the nature of technology employed in a country has profound impact on the type of goods produced, per unit cost of production the pattern of convention and demand, and the type and level of employment. Consistent with the strategy which has been recommended for meeting the basic need of the majority, it is important that developing countries must choose and develop technologies 1-1llich an appropriate to meet the real need of these countries. The report of the French speaking group had as its subject "Changes in Agricultural Technology and Employment". It was noted in the report that the food situation in African countries continued to deteriorate resulting in huge imports of foodstuffs with use of foreign exchange and resultant trade imbalance. The report of the English language study seminar discussion group was then presented. It stressed in particular: the need to examine carefully the numerous technical choices that are available; the importance of developing appropriately high level manpower; the importance of establishing time dimension for objectives and priorities.