Africa's food and agriculture crisis prospects and proposals for 1985 and 1986

Abstract

Africa is currently in the throes of unprecedented, social and economic crises burdened with a multiplicity of problems, some obviously within the control and sphere of influence of African Governments, but many crucial issues lie beyond their control. The unfavorable global economic, climate has disadvantaged Africa vis-a-vis its trade with the industrialized nations, and the flow of capital. In the 1980s, its terms of trade continually deteriorated; external debts increased^ with debt servicing costs claiming some 22,4 per cent of total export earnings, interest rates rose, concessional financing declined in real terms, and the overall balance of payments deteriorated, increasing the problem of importing capital goods and spare parts to support its fledgling industries.