Implementation of the regional food plan for Africa : progress, problems and prospects

Abstract

The major objective of AFPLAN/LPA is to achieve food self-sufficiency. In 1972-1974, the food self-sufficiency ration (SSR) (1) had decreased to 90 percent (from 98 percent in 1962-1964). An analysis of the maximum feasible increases in production, i.e. better performance perspectives, indicates that, if African countries vigorously pursue appropriate strategies, the overall food SSR for Africa would improve to 94 percent by 1985 remaining at that level up to 1990. While this remains the target, the Large plans of Action laye down that the aim should be at least “to halt, and if possible, to reverse within 1980-1985, the alarming trends” of the continued decrease in food self-sufficiency.