Review and appraisal of socio-economic situation in Africa in 1978/1979 and the 1970s and the prospects for the 1980s

Abstract

The present paper is just an attempt to throw some light on some aspects of the problems of the African least developed countries. Its limitations lie, inter alia, both in the methods used and in the fact that it deals mainly with macro-variables. It is clear that using more elaborated techniques both quantitative and qualitative and more detailed data would give more precise and more concrete recommendations at national and regional levels. However, the study presented here points to the fact that unless drastic structural changes are undertaken, the African least developed countries are likely to face more serious problems in ; he 1980s than those faced in the 1970s« It also suggests that there is room for the achievement of these structural changes especially in making more efficient use of the enormous natural and human resources of the continents This, obviously, cannot be achieved without domestic policies for increased self-reliance and self-sustainment and the strengthening of regional co-operation as was emphasized in resolution 332 (XIV) entitled "Development strategy for Africa for the Third Development Decade" adopted at the fourteenth session of the Commission, by the fifth meeting of the Conference of Ministers, held in Rabat in March 1979.