Progress made in the implementation of the programmes on alleviation of poverty in Africa

Abstract

Africa has robust resource potential. In the continent as a whole, the land under cultivation stands at approximately 195 million hectares (IITA, 1993). This enormous land area most of which in sub-Saharan Africa, constitutes only negligible proportion (26 per cent) of the region's potentially arable land. The remaining land offers profuse opportunities for expanding agricultural production. Despite such abundant resources, Africa's overall economic performance has been dismal with the 1980's generally believed to be lost decade (UNECA/UNICEF, 1995). Economic growth in per caput terms has decelerated by nearly per cent a year since the mid 1980's (Republic of Botswana, 1994). Agricultural growth in the region has remained constant (between 1.7 and 1.9 per cent annually) since 1965, while its population growth rate has swollen from 2.7 to about 3.1 per cent annually. Per caput food production has declined and food imports and food aid have tended to edge upwards. The purpose of the report is to initiate monitoring and evaluation process both at the level of member States and the ECA Secretariat, of poverty eradication through sustainable development. This is in line with the activities of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD) and should encourage countries to establish appropriate mechanisms for the relevant data base.