Ben J. JONES (Grenada): Mr Chairman, Mr Director-General, fellow delegates and observers, ladies and gentlemen, I bring greetings from the Government and people of my country.
Permit me to congratulate you, Mr Chairman, on your election to the chair of this historic 24th Session of the FAO Conference. My congratulations are also extended to your Vice-Chairmen. I wish to express my delegation's high degree of appreciation at the way the Conference has been proceeding under your able chairmanship. This is my first attendance at FAO, and I consider it an honour and privilege to be participating in these deliberations.
On Monday the Organization re-elected Dr Edouard Saouma as its Director-General for a third consecutive term -- a clear expression of its confidence in his work and in his ability to guide its destiny over the next six years. I therefore extend to him very warm and sincere congratulations and best wishes for a successful third term. Over the years Dr Saouma has given yeoman service to both the developed and developing members of this Organization and has been the champion of the under-privileged and starving peoples everywhere. My delegation is therefore confident that with this renewed mandate he has been provided with the opportunity to redouble his efforts in the service of the world community and of the rural poor in particular.
Mr Chairman, this Conference is important because among other things it is taking place at a time when the world economy seems to be in disarray. We continue to face situations where there are surplus food production and great prosperity in some regions of the world while there are gross malnutrition, hunger and poverty in others. This inequitable situation is further complicated by mounting domestic and social difficulties in the developing world, exacerbated by the intolerable burden of indebtedness, the persistence of protectionist policies in the more developed countries, the general depressed terms of trade and inadequate inflows of capital for development purposes. In the face of generally low world export prices and the availability of subsidised food produced in developed countries, the incentive to increase product ion in the developing countries is diminishing. This is particularly the case where countries have to rely on higher-cost imported production inputs in order to increase productivity and viability. The Conference must therefore address these problems and seek ways of solving them permanently.
Speaking from the point of view of a small island economy which my country represents, I wish to highlight two areas, which are critical to our development - these are trade and technology transfer. Grenada is very small in terms of size, trade and economy and has only limited natural resources. We must therefore pursue policies of regional integration and export oriented growth supplemented by a vigorous programme of import substitution and export marketing if we are to survive the economic and social morass in which we find ourselves. It is my delegation's view that FAO and supportive trading partners can assist developing countries everywhere in accessing new markets, and by ensuring that those tariff and non-tariff barriers that inhibit trade are either removed or not unreasonably applied. FAO can also help in providing information on new market opportunities.
On the question of technology transfer, my delegation wishes to commend FAO for its initiative in promoting technical cooperation among developing countries by way of the Network System. The Director-General, through the Organization's Regional Office in Santiago, Chile, has assisted in establishing technical cooperation network systems, not only in the Caribbean sub-region but in the entire Latin American region. This TCDC initiative gives technicians from our various countries the opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience in wide-ranging practical activities, and is proving to be a most valuable mechanism of technology transfer. While every effort would be made to incorporate these networks into our own national development plan, we would request FAO to assist the Caribbean sub-region in securing funding from financing agencies for the continuation of TCDC activities.
My delegation recognizes the important role that the FAO Regional Office in Santiago can play in promoting TCDC, particularly in the area of preparation and dissemination of audio-visual materials in support of our extension activities. Nevertheless, we wish to recommend that mechanisms be put in place to facilitate a greater degree of outposting of technical staff from the Regional Office into member countries.
My Government considers FAO's role as being critical in support of our agricultural development strategy: the level of assistance that FAO is providing to us is crucial to our current agricultural development thrust, as we pursue the twin policies of diversification and land reform, i.e. redistribution among the hitherto landless agricultural workers and the maturing youth; we are in the process of creating a new generation of small land owners and I am pleased to report that the small farmer is becoming, more and more, the centre-piece of commercial agricultural production as the plantation system gives way to small family-operated model farms.
At the Nineteenth FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean, held in Barbados last year, the meeting had as its agenda item issues, problems affecting agricultural development in small island states, issues related to the role of the small farmer and the role of women in agricultural development. These relevant agenda items clearly demonstrate FAO's preparedness to search for alternative mechanisms that would ensure the timely and effective delivery of services and assistance to our region.
Over the last year, FAO has established cooperative agreements with Caribbean institutions, namely the Caribbean Community Secretariat and the Caribbean Development Bank and through the instrumentality of the Director-General has forged closer links with the Caribbean by the establishment of a Caribbean Desk at its Headquarters and a focal point at the Regional Office in Santiago, Chile.
My delegation therefore wishes to place on record its endorsement of and support for the Director-General's Programme of Work and Budget for 1988/89. We appreciate his efforts to lower the budget level to a strict minimum representing a negligible growth of 0.25 percent over the 1986/87 figures, and it is our hope that it will be approved by this Conference.
My country is a beneficiary under the FAO's programme of assistance and we are very thankful for the help we have been receiving, but we wish to remind you that the current depreciation in the value of the U.S. dollar (indeed any. such depreciation) will seriously reduce the level of any allocation and consequently endanger the completion of projects being funded thereby. We therefore respectfully recommend the introduction of a mechanism under which FAO would make good any losses resulting from such depreciation thereby ensuring the full implementation of approved projects.
My delegation is satisfied with the programme of activities and strategies proposed for the next biennium and wishes to commend the Secretariat for the tremendous effort it has made to keep the budget as low as possible in response to the wishes of member countries.
With respect to the Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP), my delegation is satisfied that this programme is very effective in its present form because it enables developing countries to respond to urgent needs for services in support of field activities involving small farmers; we therefore recommend that the TCP assistance should continue into the next biennium.
I now refer to Appendix A of Conference document C 87/30: "Consideration of review of certain aspects of FAO's goals and operations, including the need for reform in the programme and budget process". My delegation supports the principle of review because we believe that it is only by continuous re-appraisal that any organization can maintain its relevance and effectiveness, but we question very seriously the suggestion for a review by a group of experts rather than by FAO's constituted bodies. We would, however, insist that any such review must ensure that the multilateral nature of the Organization's Charter is not compromised in any way and that there should be no amendment to its basic philosophy.
I wish to refer to the implementation of the International Code of Conduct on the Distribution and Use of Pesticides, which was adopted by the last Conference. My delegation notes the progress being made but sees the need for more information about banned and severely restricted pesticide products. Therefore I wish to urge closer cooperation between the pesticide industry, the United Nations Environmental Programme, other parties concerned, and, of course, Member Governments to ensure an even greater degree of environmental protection for all. Failure to design and maintain such environmental programmes could seriously affect the general we 11-being of our community.
Finally, Mr Chairman, I wish to thank you for the privilege of addressing this meeting and I pray that God will bless and guide us as we proceed so that the conclusions arising our of our deliberations may bear fruit abundantly.
Robert KIKÓMO KITARIKO (Uganda): Mr Chairman, Honourable Ministers, Director-General, FAO, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen:
On behalf of the Uganda delegation, please accept our congratulations on your election as Chairman of this important Conference. I am sure your wise counsel and leadership will be a valuable asset to this Conference. I would in the same breath like to extend our congratulations to Dr Edouard Saouma for his re-election for another term of 6 years. In my humble opinion, his re-election to another term of office is an opportunity and a challenge at the same time; an opportunity to continue his service to humanity in the hour of our greatest need, and to advise on ways and means for increasing food productivity to fight hunger and malnutrition so that by the year 2000 no man, woman or child shall go to bed hungry. It is a challenge in my view-, for him to deliver the goods. In view of the environmental resource contraints about which we have heard on the floor of this august assembly, we might be tempted to talk about Dr Saouma's tenure of administration. We might also be tempted to talk about reforms to give the Organization more clout to deal with current issues, but FAO's mission remains as set out in the basic text of the FAO mandate. So I would appeal to all member countries, whether big or small, to give Dr Saouma every support during his new term of office, so that he can carry out the function for which FAO was founded.
The 24th Session of FAO Conference is meeting against a back-drop of falling commodity prices, heavy debt servicing burdens for developing countries, restructuring adjustment processes with or without a human face, protectionist policies and heavy subsidies in developed countries, all of which in my view in one way or another militate against the substantial transformation of African agriculture. We were relieved to learn yesterday, from the remarks of the Minister for Overseas Development of the United Kingdom, that the developed countries are trying to do something about this. I would like to quote what he said - that the developed countries are "so anxious that the GATT Uruguay Round .... on agriculture must succeed. This is why we have made it one of our chief aims to tame the tiger in our own backyard, along with our European Community partners". If this does recognize this malaise, and is genuinely addressed to solving this problem, I welcome that move. Fortunately this Conference has been convened amid faith and determination in the African continent and a growing receptivity to new approaches for dealing with the complexities of the development process. These efforts by developing countries have not been matched by the donor community in accordance with the pledge made at UN Special Session on the African development decade. The success of the African development decade was premised on favourable external environment and therefore an increased flow of resources to complement local resources in the development process. Unless these pledges are honoured to close the gap of US$ 46 000 m. whatever local resources are mobilized on the African continent will go to debt servicing obligation without promoting economic recovery.
If we look back at the 43 years in which the FAO has been in existence, we cannot but be impressed by what it has achieved in its efforts to help and stimulate the development of food production throughout the world and to reduce the level of food shortages and malnutrition. We dare not contemplate what might be the position of food production today in many countries throughout the world had FAO not existed! As we speak now, globally the food production has increased but when we look at the dismal food production of many developing countries especially those of Africa, we realize how much still remains to be done. During the 13th Ministerial Session of the World Food Council held in Beijing in June, it was pointed out that poverty lies at the core of the problem of hunger and malnutrition. That thè reduction and eventual eradication of one affects the other to a similar degree. Thus if we pinpoint poverty to be the cause of the ills of hunger and malnutrition
and agree that poverty can be traced to the income inequalities that exist between countries and within countries, we should therefore resolve to work towards the reduction of these inequalities.
FAO should continue to recognize its importance and validity in its mission to fight hunger and malnutrition. It should not allow itself to be distracted from pursuing the noble goals for which it was founded. Equally, Mr Chairman, it should not allow itself to be rendered peripheral to that central goal, its shining mandate, which is contained in the Basic Texts of the Constitution of FAO. To do so would be losing a mission.
.One of the issues that was given much attention at the recent Commonwealth Summit in Vancouver was world trade and economy, particularly Third World debt and low commodity prices. The final declaration on world trade noted that continuing implementation of protectionist measures would be counterproductive, would increase the risk of further exchange rate instability and would exacerbate the problems of development and indebtness, particularly in developing countries. Therefore, as in the case of debt, solutions to the problem of protectionism require an accelerated recovery and reactivated development and a dynamic process of structural adjustment on the part of developing countries.
Consequently, finding solutions to the commodity problems remains crucial for economic recovery of Africa since trade in commodities is the back-bone of many African economies. It is, therefore, Mr Chairman, a matter of great concern that satisfactory solutions should be found to adequately compensate producers for drastic falls in export revenues which seriously disrupt economic growth and development. Therefore, the need for reform of all trade-distorting agricultural policies both domestic and international cannot be over-emphasized. We look forward to concrete and positive outcome at the Uruguay Round which will hopefully lead towards free trade through multilateral trade negotiations.
Fellow delegates, the repercussions of an increasingly harsh economic environment have drastically checked the possibilities of long-term development in the developing world. For example, Mr Chairman, the African countries, with a staggering debt burden of about $ 80.0 billion, a sum that represents 180 percent of their total export earnings, will find it very difficult to implement the United Nations Programme of Action for African Economic Recovery and Development 1986-1990. In my own country our debt servicing is around $ 200 million which is a half of our export earnings. In response to the undertaking made at the UN Special Session to help poor countries ease their debt burdens, mention must.be made of Canada's contribution to the search for solutions to the debt problems of Sub-Saharan African countries. During the Commonwealth Summit at Vancouver, Canada announced its decision to write off the Official Development Assistance (ODA) debts of six African countries totalling some 347 million Canadian dollars. We are grateful to countries like Canada that have agreed to write off or reschedule our debt servicing to enable us to switch the money from debt servicing to importing basic agricultural inputs to boost agricultural production.
Mr Chairman, in Uganda, in our four year rehabilitation development plan, agriculture has become the priority of priorities, given the direct role it plays in the development process. Given our comparative advantage in food production while being backed with a crop diversification programme . in order to ensure adequate and nutritious food for our people at all times and expand our food base by concentrating whilst maximizing the values of our traditional crops like coffee, cotton and tea. This, Mr Chairman, given our history, has been possible due to the peace, security and stability
which has been ushered into the country by the National Resistance Movement led by H.E. Yoweri K. MUSEVENI the President of Uganda. We look forward to consolidating our hard won freedom and continue on an accelerated development path in cooperation with óur neighbours who share our aspirations.
Mr Chairman, the main item on the agenda of this Session is, of course, the next biennium's work programme and budget. My Government supports the proposed strategies and priorities and in particular the growing support, to the efforts of African countries to overcome their own severe food crisis. We also support the approach consisting of allocating further funds to basic technical and economic programmes and cutting down expenditure on administrative and general services. We would also like to state that the Technical Cooperation Programme deserves our continued support in view of its usefulness and efficiency. As regards the proposed level of the Regular Budget, in our opionion, this is a rational balance which has been struck between the needs to be met and what the Members of the Organization can afford at the present time. In the light of this, my Government supports the proposed Programme of Work and Budget.
As regards the proposed reforms, we should address these proposals dispassionately. Mr Chairman, the only sure thing to happen tomorrow is change. All dynamic organizations should devise inbuilt mechanisms to meet the challenges of a changed tomorrow. This could be in the area of manpower resource development as well as financial management and control. Elsewhere some laudable programming, performance budgeting systems as the best to protect the interest of a tax payer or is it. sancrosanct? Adapting to changed environment with a view to attaining better performance and thereby maximizing values under resource constraint is a virtue worthwhile cultivating. In the event let an attempt be made to articulate areas of reform and a rationale for them and hopefully democratically - and I emphasize the word 'democratically' - resolution of issues involved will be arrived at the interest of all big and small nations alike.
Mr Chairman, the Uganda delegation welcomes the initiative by FAO for the feasibility study of modalities of aid-in-kind as an alternative means of developing agriculture in countries constrained by foreign exchange. The study has rightly indicated that African agriculture has to undergo a transition to a higher level of infusion of inputs in the near-term future if it is to provide food for the expanding population in those areas. The real issue here is to identify the most appropriate inputs and strengthen the capacity of developing countries to obtain these inputs mostly from domestic production. My delegation would like to reiterate its stand made at Yammoussoukro, Côte d'Ivoire, that aid-in-kind should avoid creating a situation whereby the recipient country is used as a dumping ground for inappropriate agricultural inputs.
Mr Chairman, alluding to livestock diseases, my delegation wishes to express its appreciation to the Evaluation Team of the Action Programme for the control of African Trypanosomiasis and related Developments for producing an excellent report. It is encouraging to note that the evaluation has confirmed the continuing validity and relevance of the Programme's objectives. My delegation, accordingly, would wish to endorse the recommendations outlined in paragraph 29 of document C 87/8.
Fellow delegates, permit me to conclude by expressing our gratitude and appreciation to the Director-General and the world community who have responded very positively to the food problems of the Third World countries. Finally, I wish to thank FAO for all the assistance extended to my country since we last met here.
And finally, Mr Chairman, I would like to caution that FAO was founded for a purpose. It must continue to serve this purpose despite resource constraints, despite proposals for reform. Reform must be reform for the better and not for the worse.
Washington ZUÑIGA TRELLES (Perú): Señor Presidente, Señor Director General, Señores Ministros y Delegados: el Ministro de Agricultura de Perú tuvo que retornar al país y me ha encargado leer el siguiente mensaje: para el Perú es una satisfacción expresar, en primer lugar, su felicitación al Señor Presidente de la Conferencia por la elección que ha merecido y que a no dudar constituye el claro reconocimiento de las cualidades personales y profesionales que lo caracterizan; así como, reiterar su complacencia por la reelección del Dr. Saouma en el cargo de Director General, hecho que representa la demostración efectiva de la valoración y confianza que su gestión proyecta.
La situación económica mundial en esta década, la especial situación de los países en desarrollo que enfrentan cuantiosas deudas externas, la pretendida imposición de costosos modelos de ajustes para nuestras economías frente al complejo sistema de protección que han estado edificando los países desarrollados para resguardar sus mercados, en especial en lo que respecta a ios productos agropecuarios, han incidido negativamente sobre la seguridad alimentaria de los países en vías de desarrollo.
Si bien la producción mundial alimentaria ha venido creciendo en forma continua, dichos aumentos se han concentrado en los países desarrollados, principalmente como resultado de la continuación de las políticas de altos precios internos para los productores de dichos países, generando excedentes que han tendido a volcarse en el mercado mundial a precios de dumping, así como a la acumulación de stocks que han llegado a niveles sin precedentes en el pasado.
Los bajos precios resultantes a nivel internacional han tendido a afectar en forma diferenciada a los distintos países en desarrollo según las características de su producción agrícola, sea templada o tropical, o de su situación de exportador o importador neto de alimentos. Para los países exportadores de productos característicos de las zonas templadas, como son los cereales, oleaginosas y
aceites, y carnes, esta competencia desleal tiene un alto efecto negativo sobre sus ingresos. Igualmente, sucede en el caso de los países exportadores de productos de zonas tropicales, como azúcar, algodón y arroz, que enfrentan problemas similares a los anteriores por las políticas proteccionistas de los países desarrollados.
En el caso de los países que son importadores netos de alimentos, esta situación de precios bajos en ios mercados internacionales, si bien aparentemente les beneficia en el corto plazo, inhibirá el crecimiento del sector agrícola y continuará deprimiendo los ingresos de ios pobladores rurales. La única forma de evitar este efecto perverso en el sector agrícola de nuestros países es mediante políticas nacionales que permitan esterilizar dichos efectos mediante el otorgamiento de una adecuada protección a la producción nacional. Sin embargo, la escasez de recursos presupuestales y financieros de nuestros países nos dificulta, por otro lado, compensar por estas distorsiones a nuestros exportadores agrícolas para que puedan competir en el mercado internacional.
Paralelamente, los altos precios para productos agrícolas impuestos artificialmente al interior de los mercados en los países desarrollados, han provocado una creciente sustitución en el' uso de estos productos naturales por derivados sintéticos, como es el caso del azúcar, al cual pueden seguir otros, deprimiendo la demanda y adicionando otro elemento de efecto negativo sobre los precios.
De continuar esta situación en el futuro, podemos avizorar un estado de mayor dependencia alimentaria en muchos de nuestros países en vías de desarrollo si es que se aceptan pasivamente los efectos de estas políticas. La transmisión de los precios internacionales bajos a los mercados internos de nuestros países continuará deprimiendo los ingresos campesinos, salvo que se realicen exitosamente esfuerzos masivos y espectaculares en la creación y adaptación tecnológica en nuestro sector agrícola que nos permitan competir dentro de ese mercado plagado de medidas proteccionistas, que no se condicen con la prédica librecambista de los países desarrollados. Sin embargo, un empuje sustancial en materia tecnológica dentro del sector agrícola de la magnitud necesaria para compensar los efectos negativos de los bajos precios, requeriría de ingentes recursos que los paísés no disponen, dada su situación fiscal y de importadores netos de capital, condición a la que se ha llegado por la pesada carga de la deuda externa, cuya responsabilidad es compartida tanto por los acreedores como por los deudores.
Cabe, en este sentido, señalar la incoherencia de las políticas proteccionistas de los países desarrollados con la del sector financiero de esos mismos países que exigen el pago de intereses y servicios de la deuda que sólo podrán hacerse efectivos.con un necesario aumento del valor de nuestras exportaciones, que al mismo tiempo dichos países impiden.
Por lo anterior, si bien reconocemos que es indispensable reorientar nuestras políticas internas, que tradicionalmente han penalizado a la agricultura, es indispensable también generar o reforzar riquezas o sistemas que propicien el incremento del comercio entre los países en desarrollo a nivel regional o subregional que otorguen un mayor grado de seguridad alimentaria en nuestros países y cooperen a estabilizar ios ingresos de nuestros agricultores. Asimismo, es necesaria la activa participación de los países en desarrollo en forma coherente y coordinada en los distintos foros internacionales, para cautelar los intereses que nos son comunes dentro del campo agrícola frente a las medidas que unilateralmente se adoptan y que resultan un perjuicio a nuestras economías. En este sentido, pensamos que la inclusión del tema del comercio agrícola en la Ronda de Uruguay de negociaciones del GATT tendrá efectos sumamente importantes sobre la posibilidad y modalidad del desarrollo del sector agrícola en el futuro y en la seguridad alimentaria de nuestros países, por lo que creemos que la FAO debe otorgar una importante contribución a la conformación de posiciones adecuadas a los intereses de nuestros países y deberá brindar apoyo técnico para que a nivel nacional se pueda efectuar un adecuado seguimiento, evaluación y elaboración de posiciones que respondan a nuestras necesidades de desarrollo agropecuario.
El Perú, como país en vías de desarrollo, propone reforzar el carácter participatorio y democrático de la FAO, de tal modo que la Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Agricultura y la Alimentación sea el organismo eje de la implementación del "Nuevo Orden Agrario Internacional", de tal manera de concertar la política de cooperación de los países en desarrollo y la problemática de la deuda externa, con los recursos necesarios para el desarrollo agrícola y la seguridad alimentaria de los países en vías de desarrollo.
El "Nuevo Orden Agrario Internacional" debe considerar definitivamente el problema de la Deuda Externa de los países en vías de desarrollo, ¿Qué es primero el pago de la Deuda Externa, o el pago de la Deuda alimentaria con nuestros pueblos? El flujo de divisas en el pago de la deuda determina la formación de las reservas, la disponibilidad de reservas determina los niveles del programa monetario, el cual fija los niveles del crédito interno agrícola para la producción y proyecta las tasas de cambio para la Importación y Exportación; es decir, influye en los términos de intercambio agrarios. Las divisas se requieren para la importación de semillas, fertilizantes, insumos para la Agroindustria, para la mecanización agrícola, para el desarrollo de las irrigaciones e infraestructura de riego, para la importación mínima indispensable de alimentos para ios servicios de Investigación, Educación y Extensión en nuestros campos. El Desarrollo Económico Agrícola es la Base de la Alimentación y del desarrollo permanente e integrado de las economías de nuestros pueblos.
El Nuevo Orden Agrario Internacional debe ser la base del Ordenamiento de la Economía Internacional y de la economía de nuestros pueblos, de la relación más justa entre los Desarrollados y los países en vías de Desarrollo, entre la ciudad y el campo, entre los Deudores y Acreedores.
Sin alimentación no hay salud, sin salud no hay educación, sin salud y educación no hay posibilidad de desarrollo, ¿Cuántos recursos necesitamos para que el consumo per cápita de Alimentos en nuestros pueblos, representen las mínimas 2 500 calorías per cápita y ios 48 g de proteínas por habitante?
¿Qué rol debe tener la FAO en el "Nuevo Orden Agrario Internacional"? Nuestra asistencia al vigésimo cuarto período de sesiones de la Conferencia de la FAO, ha sido para ratificar su carácter participative y democrático. Lo importante no son los cargos, sino la convicción urgente de implementar una Democracia Económica y Social en nuestra Organización; la definición de ios problemas y cómo concertamos y nos organizamos regional y subregionalmente, para hacer participar a nuestras comunidades en la solución de ellos.
Asimismo, cómo se deben planificar los recursos, como fuentes y usos, para un Nuevo Orden Económico Agrícola en favor de los que menos tienen. Esto representaría la práctica de la Democracia Social y Democracia Económica en nuestra Institución.
La FAO, en el contexto de la Nueva Organización que viene implementado en los últimos años, debe tener un rol preponderante en la obtención de recursos adicionales, para el financiamiento de proyectos de desarrollo integral entre los Organismos multilaterales financieros y las fuentes de recursos de financiamiento de los países desarrollados, a favor de los países en desarrollo que vienen afrontando graves problemas de deuda externa.
Será necesario asimismo encontrar mecanismos regionales e interregionales de concertacion, para afrontar los problemas de Comercio Agropecuario y de Seguridad Alimentaria.
En América Latina y el Caribe, tanto a nivel regional como subregional, se han estado efectuando importantes esfuerzos en el tema de la Seguridad Alimentaria. En el marco del Sistema Económico Latinoamericano (SELA) se constituyó, en 1982, el Comité de Acción para el establecimiento del Sistema de Seguridad Alimentaria (CASAR).
Asimismo, a nivel del grupo subregional andino se creó el Sistema Andino "José Celestino Mutis", sobre agricultura, seguridad alimentaria y conservación del ambiente, con el propósito de orientar la formulación y ejecución de las actividades nacionales y subregionales conducentes a fortalece-el desarrollo del sector agropecuario en los países miembros y estimular una creciente articulación entre ellos.
A nivel nacional, en el Perú se ha efectuado un cambio drástico en las políticas agroalimeñtarias, orientado a la reactivación de la producción agropecuaria, históricamente castigada, a la reestructuración de los patrones de consumo, distorsionados por las políticas seguidas en el pasado, a revertir la transferencia de ingresos de campo a la ciudad y a recapi tal izar el sector agrícola tanto en términos de infraestructura, maquinaria y tecnología.
Las políticas macroeconómicas y sectoriales que en su conjunto se orientaban principalmente al mantenimiento de bajos precios para ios productos alimenticios destinados a los consumidores urbanos, reflejaban mayormente el conflicto básico entre los intereses de los consumidores y de los productores de alimentos, en donde los primeros presionan en la búsqueda de la obtención de alimentos agri-
colas al menor precio posible, mientras que los productores tratan de obtener el mayor precio que haga rentable su esfuerzo productivo. Este conflicto, que refleja el choque ampliamente estudiado entre la ciudad y el campo, ha favorecido por lo general a la ciudad, con pocas excepciones a lo largo de nuestra historia moderna.
En julio de 1983 el nuevo Gobierno del Presidente García asumió la conducción del país con el compromiso de revertir el deterioro do la situación económica del área rural, reflejado pare ia Imento en la evolución negativa de los términos de intercambio entre la ciudad y el campo. En febrero de 1986 el Gobierno introdujo su Programa de Reactivación Agraria y Seguridad Alimentaria (PRESA). Los principales componentes de este nuevo programa incluyeron:
1. Precios de garantía rentables a un mayor número de productos seleccionados.
2. Reestructuración de componentes de costos de producción agrícola, a travos de la eliminación o reducción de impuestos y aranceles.
3. Expansión del crédito agrícola con tasas preferenciales de préstamos para determinados cultivos y regiones, así como un gran crecimiento de la disponibilidad de crédito para ios productores.
4. Planificación Agrícola Concertada y Reorientación de las producciones regionales.
Paralelo a lo anterior, el Gobierno implementó un agresivo programa de recuperación global para la economía, que a su vez tuvo importantes implicancias para la agricultura. Así, el rápido crecimiento global de la economía que se obtuvo en 1986 y 1987 y las políticas de ingresos implementadas, que favorecían especialmente a los grupos de menores ingresos, determinaron un importante crecimiento de la demanda de alimentos. Por otra parte, la congelación de precios que se impuso a nivel general en la economía, de la cual se exceptuaron los productos agrícolas perecibles, permitió una veloz recuperación de los términos de intercambio en favor de la agricultura.
La parte más innovadora del programa y la que a su vez tiende a tener efectos más permanentes y sustanciales, es el sistema de precios de garantía. Los productos que reciben precios de garantía incluyen ai arroz, maíz amarillo, trigo, menestras y productos andinos, así como ai azúcar y los productos lácteos. Muchos de ellos son competitores con productos que actualmente se importan al país. La política de precios para cada uno de estos productos incluye un precio de garantía para los productores, un precio controlado para los consumidores o industrias procesadoras y la administración de las importaciones por parte del Estado.
Como mencioné anteriormente, otro importante estímulo a la recuperación agrícola fue la reactivación global de la economía peruana, que creció en un 9 por ciento durante 1986 y que proyectamos en un 8 por ciento para el presente año, generando sustanciales incrementos de ingresos para virtualmente todos los grupos de consumidores.
Los ingresos de aquellos grupos de menores ingresos crecieron aún más rápidamente. La política del Gobierno de permitir incrementos de sueldos y salarios mayores a la tasa de inflación también ayudó a poner una gran parte del incremento total de ingresos en las manos de aquellas personas pertenecientes a grupos de bajos ingresos. Dicho efecto se reforzó con un programa de empleo temporal que brindó ocupación a 140 000 personas previamente desempleadas.
Con mayores ingresos, todo el mundo gastó más en alimentos. Aquellos más pobres, quienes experimentaron un crecimiento de ingresos mayor que el promedio, gastaron asimismo una mayor proporción de este incremento de ingresos en alimentos. El resultado fue una explosión en el consumo alimentario. Estimaciones preliminares indican que el consumo de alimentos en 1986 fue 18 por ciento mayor que en 1985, y en el caso de los principales productos alimenticios este incremento llegó hasta el 25 por ciento en promedio.
Señor Presidente, como ya se me indica que el tiempo se me acaba, permitiría me dé unos cinco minutos más porque voy a exponer algo los resultados de esta política.
El incremento de la demanda alimentaria llevó a mayores precios y mayores ingresos para los agricultores.
Los efectos del nuevo programa económico agrícola han sido positivos. Ellos incluyen:
1.- Los términos de intercambio de los productos agrícolas relativos a los productos industriales, que hasta julio de 1985 habían caído en cerca del 50 por ciento, comparados al nivel de 1973, se habían recuperado al finalizar el año 1986 casi totalmente; esta tendencia ha continuado en lo que va del año 1987.
2.- La mayor disponibilidad de crédito agrícola.
3.- La mayor utilización de la tierra cultivable.
4.- El valor bruto de la producción agrícola se incrementó en un 4 por ciento en 1986, proyectándose un incremento del 5 por ciento para 1987, con lo que tendríamos por primera vez un cuarto año consecutivo de incremento, por encima del crecimiento de la población, que fue del 2.5 por ciento anual.
5.- Como resultado de ios cambios en precios, créditos, uso de insumos y crecimientos do siembras, el ingreso real de ios agricultores en 1986 se incrementó en un 33 por ciento, destacándose el aumento ocurrido en la sierra, o sea, enla zona de montaña, donde el incremento fue del 49 por ciento. Los jornales agrarios crecieron asimismo, en términos\ r o a los, en un 82 por ci eut o.
6.- La demanda de alimento tuvo un explosivo crecimiento durante 1986, que significó un incremento del 18 por ciento con respecto a ios deprimidos niveles de consumo que se registraron en 1985. Esto indica una importante mejora en los niveles nutricionales de la población.
7.- La inflación alimentaria descendi ó en términos reales y comparados.
Sin embargo, los esfuerzos regionales y nacionales en el tema del desarrollo agrícola y de la seguridad alimentaria deben ser acompañados de mecanismos efectivos que, dentro de la organización de la FAO, tengan que implementarse a nivel regional. Es así que proponemos la creación de los Fondos de Seguridad Alimentaria Regionales, que tendrían los siguientes objetivos, en el esfuerzo de sentar las bases para el "Nuevo Orden Agrario internacional".
1.- Canalizar los fondos que sirven como financiamiento complementario de los proyectos de desarrollo presentados por la FAO, a los organismos multilaterales y gobiernos de países de la región que se encuentran en situación crítica de la balanza de pagos y de deuda externa.
2.- Emitir la moneda de comercio regional que permita el comercio de los excedentes de producción agropecuaria de la región, a fin de crear un mecanismo de compensación frente a los precios del mercado internacional y mejorar los términos de intercambio.
3.- Asegurar los recursos humanos y económicamente necesarios para la realización de la planificación del desarrollo agrícola regional, de tal modo de evaluar e implementar los programas y acciones que identifiquen las reservas alimentarias regionales, las canastas regionales de producción y de consumo, y se instrumenten las políticas de seguridad alimentaria regionales.
4.- Formación de los semilleros y centros genéticos en cada región, de modo tal de integrar las actividades de investigación, educación y extensión rural regionales.
En principio, el Fondo Regional podría tener como objetivo el tratamineto de temas prioritariamente regionales.
Me voy a permitir mencionar una frase, en la que finalizó su disertacion el Señor Presidente de la República del Perú, Doctor Alan García Pérez, en la conmemoración del 40 Aniversario de la FAO, en noviembre de hace dos años: "Creemos en Dios, creemos en el pan nuestro de cada día. V, como el viejo profeta bíblico Isaías, no perdemos la esperanza de que alguna vez las espadas se convertirán
en arados y las lanzas en hoces, Y no lanzará su espada ningún pueblo conra otro, ni se adiestrarán los hombres para la guerra. Entonces, convertiremos las armas de hoy en pan, y el pan será en el futuro paz y justicia, y no nos unirá, como ahora, nuestra hambre, ni el hambre de los otros: nos unirá sólamente el hambre de Dios".
Señor Director General de la FAO, Señor Presidente, Señores Ministros y Delegados: Unamos nuestras capacidades y voluntades, para surcar, juntos, la tierra árida del desierto, haciendo fécrtilos estas tierras con el sudor de nuestro trabajo unitario y con las lágrimas de aquellos que perdieron a sus seres queridos por falta de pan; sembremos la semilla para cosechar juntos un futuro de paz y justicia.
Khamsing SAYAKONE (Laos): C'est pour moi un honneur et une joie que de conduire, une fois encore, la délégation de la République démocratique populaire lao á la 24ème Conférence de la FAO à Rome, la belle et prestigieuse capitale de l'Italie.
Tout d'abord, qu'il me soit permis, au nom de la Délégation lao cl en mon nom personnel, de présenter mes vives félicitations au Dr Edouard Saouma pour sa réélection méritée au plus haut poste de notre Organisation. Nous lui souhaitons tous les succès en assumant ses lourdes mais honorables responsabilités et espérons que, sous sa direction clairvoyante, dynamique et efficace, la FAO réalisera des succès toujours plus grands dans la lutte contre la faim, la pénurie alimentaire et la pauvreté de par le monde.
Je voudrais également exprimer mes chaleureuses salutations aux distingués délégués et observateurs ainsi qu'à Monsieur Faisal Al Khaled d'avoir été élu à l'unanimité à la Présidence de cette Conférence. Je suis parfaitement convaincu, Monsieur le Président, que grâce à vos qualités personnelles et vos vastes connaissances, conjuguées à la collaboration des Vice-Présidents, vous saurez conduire les travaux de cette conférence vers des résultats fructueux.
Depuis son établissement il y a maintenant 42 années, en dépit de la situation économique mondiale et des échanges parfois instables et difficiles ne favorisant guère la production alimentaire et agricole, la FAO a néanmoins fait des progrès remarquables dans différents domaines, en particulier dans ceux de l'agriculture, des forêts, des peches, du développement rural et de la nutrition au cours de son existence et surtout à partir des années 80. Aussi, les problèmes de la faim, de la pénurie alimentaire et de la pauvreté rurale touchant plusieurs centaines de millions d'hommes ont-ils été l'objet d'un examen attentif en vue de les résoudre graduellement au cours de ces dernières années.
Non! Ce n'est pas par pure autosatisfaction que je constate cette réalité, c'est plutôt pour dire que les mesures et les orientations qui ont été prises par la FAO pendant ces dernières années sont, il faut le dire, correctes et que les résultats obtenus doivent nous encourager à nous unir ensemble, autour de la FAO, afin de poursuivre notre lutte contre la faim, la pénurie alimentaire et la pauvreté, ces maladies chroniques qui sont en train de défigurer le monde du 20ème siècle,comme le répète inlassablement Monsieur le Directeur général.
Ma délégation est heureuse de constater que la FAO n'est pas une organisation intergouvernementale figée mais une organisation qui se perfectionne sans cesse dans ses politiques, ses priorités et ses modalités d'intervention. L'exemple du Programme de coopération technique qui s'avère très utile pour un pays comme le nôtre, celui de la "débureaucratisation", de la mise en place progressive d'un réseau de représentants dans les pays,etc., en sont les preuves.
C'est dans ce contexte que ma délégation entend examiner la mise en oeuvre de diverses réformes, proposées par un certain nombre de pays membres, et portant sur divers aspects des buts et des activités de la FAO, y compris l'élaboration du budget. Nous félicitons les pays membres qui ont ainsi présenté une large gamme de propositions, destinées à améliorer le fonctionnement de notre organisation. Ces propositions constituent une preuve éloquente de leur foi dans le rôle essentiel de la FAO: le Laos partage cette conviction.
A ce tout premier stade de nos discussions, il est compréhensible que ces propositions, toutes bien intentionnées, soient nombreuses et même, dans certains cas, contradictoires. Beaucoup sont excellentes, certaines méritent un examen approfondi.
Ma délégation considère que nous, participant à cette Conférence, pouvons jouer un rôle très utile, si nous parvenons à délimiter le domaine où s'appliqueront les modifications: nous devons préciser les domaines qu'il convient d'étudier pour y apporter des améliorations.
Ceci constitue une tâche que nous ne pouvons déléguer à aucun groupe de travail, quel que soit son niveau et la valeur de ses membres. Je considère que les représentants qui forment cette conférénce sont les mieux informes des besoins de leurs pays et de la Façon dont cette Organisation peut, au mieux, répondre à ces besoins à l'avenir, et que nous devons utiliser dans toute la mesure possible nos propres structures et nos propres moyens.
Ma délégation n'est pas disposée à accepter quelque proposition que ce soit qui viserait à réduire les prérogatives de la Conférence, en ce qui concerne la définition de la politique de l'Organisation. .
En me référant au Programme de travail et budget pour le biennium 1988-89, ma délégation regrette que le programme net de la FAO ne s'accroisse que de 0,25%. Ceci constitue, à ma connaissance, le plus faible accroissement de notre budget depuis ces dix dernières années.
Cependant, nous avons noté avec satisfaction que ses objectifs, ses stratégies et ses priorités sont clairement, définies et visent essentiellement à mieux résoudre les problèmes pendants.
En plus,les propositions présentées par le Directeur générai dans ce document présentent une parfaite similitude avec les orientations de notre Gouvernement dans ces domaines.
C'est pourquoi, notre délégation soutient définitivement le Programme et Budget soumis par le Directeur général pour le prochain biennium. J'ai la conviction que si les Etats Membres l'approuvent aussi, nous avancerons sûrement d'un pas dans la recherche des solutions aux problèmes alimentaires et agricoles.
Nous appuyons fortement aussi l'idée que chaque pays doit s'efforcer de se suffire en denrées alimentaires et d'en assurer les réserves. Les réserves signifient la sécurité alimentnire,et la sécurité alimentaire c'est la sauvegarde de la production en elle-même.
L'agriculture et la forêt constituent des ressources naturelles importantes de notre pays. Aussi, notre Gouvernement a-t-il élaboré le programme de développement économique du pays en se basant sur l 'agriculture et les forêts.
Pour mettre en pratique ces directives dont les principaux objectifs sont d'assurer l'auto-suffisance alimentaire et d'en constituer des réserves pour produire suffisamment de matières premières à l'agro-industrie locale et à l'exportation, notre Gouvernement donne là priorité aux deux grands programmes nommément "Programme de production des denrées alimentaires" et "Programme de réduction de la pratique des cultures itinérantes sur brûlis", conservation des ressources naturelles et protection de l'environnement,et a clairement défini les tâches à réaliser de la façon suivante:
"Promouvoir la culture intensive, augmenter le nombre de cultures par an, utiliser les semences performantes appropriées aux conditions climatiques locales, développer le réseau d'irrigation et de drainage, prineipalement celui de petite et moyenne envergure, sensibiliser les petits agriculteurs d'autosubsistance à se grouper en coopératives conformément aux trois principes essentiels suivants: adhésion volontaire, intérêt mutuel et gestion démocratique. En matière d'élevage, l'accent doit être mis sur la production animale au niveau de la petite exploitation sur les systèmes de conduite de l'élevage et sur l'amélioration des races indigènes par croisement avec des races importées en vue d'obtenir des races plus productives et plus performantes. Dans le domaine de la santé animale, l'accent doit être mis sur l'amélioration et le développement des services vétérinaires de manière à mieux lutter contre les maladies infectieuses".
Dans la réalisation de ces directives, au cours de ces dernières années, en dépit de difficultés multiples, la production agricole a enregistré des progrès sensibles. Entre 1976 et 1986, la production alimentaire et agricole a augmenté de l'ordre de 8 à 107, par an et, comme la population a relativement peu augmenté (environ 2,9% par an), le revenu réel par habitant s'est nettement accru.
Ce qui est intéressant à noter encore, c'est que, depuis 1978, plus de la moitié des agriculteurs sont devenus membres des systèmes de Coopératives. L'expérience passée a clairement montré que les conditions de vie des membres de Coopératives sont nettement meilleures que celles des agriculteurs individuels. Par exemple en 1986, alors que le revenu moyen d'un agriculteur individuel est de l'ordre de 390 kilogrammes de paddy par an, celui d'un membre d'une Coopérative peut atteindre 500 à 600 kilogrammes par an. Cela montre bien que la production collective est la meilleure voie dans l'amélioration du niveau de vie de la population. A ce sujet, le Directeur générai de la FAO n'a-t-il pas mentionné ce qui suit, dans son discours télévisé que nous avons largement diffusé à l'occasion de la célébration de la Journée mondiale de l'alimentation, je cite "Les groupements des petits agriculteurs ont pour fonction de renforcer le tissu social des collectivités. Ensemble, solidaires, les petits producteurs acquièrent la force d'affronter certaines structures agraires périmées, étouffantes", fin de citation.
Les progrès dans la production alimentaire et agricole réalisés dans notre pays sont aussi étroitement liés à l'assistance des pays socialistes frères, des pays amis, de la Communauté internationale, en particulier de la FAO, aussi bien au niveau du Siège central qu'à celui de la Représentation régionale.
D'autres institutions non gouvernementales et intergouvernementales nous ont également apporté leur contribution active. Parmi d'autres, je citerai volontiers le Centre de développement rural intégré pour la Région de l'Asie et du Pacifique, communément connu sous le nom de CIRDAP qui, depuis son commencement, a joué, à mon avis, un rôle important dans la région en matière de développement rural. Toutefois, pour jouer pleinement son rôle de promoteu/?/ de la Coopération régionale dans le domaine du développement rural, CIRDAP a besoin d'élargir ses membres et de recevoir un soutien plus soutenu de la part des agences et des pays donateurs.
L'année 1987 marque la deuxième année de l'exécution du 2ème plan quinquennal de notre pays. La population de toutes les couches sociales a déployé ses efforts pour mieux produire que précédemment, mais il est bien regrettable que les conditions climatiques n'y aient guère été favorables.
La sécheresse a gravement sévi dans les provinces du nord,y causant la perte d'une grande partie des récoltes. En même temps, les grosses pluies one provoqué des inondations endommageant bon nombre de cultures au centre et au sud du pays. Selon les premières estimations, la production de paddy en 1987 va être de l'ordre de 23% inférieure à celle de 1986 et le' déficit en paddy serait d'environ 157 300 tonnes, soit approximativement 94 400 tonnes de riz blanc.
Le nombre de personnes affectées par cette calamité serait environ 56%. de la population totale.
En vue de minimiser les pertes causées par iesdites calamités, notre Gouvernement a fait tout ce qui est en son pouvoir pour sensibiliser les agriculteurs dans tout le pays aux travaux d'entretien des champs, à la récolte et au stockage des produits,
Notre Gouvernement a aussi fait appel à la population de toutes les ethnies pour organiser la production de riz et d'autres cultures pendant la saison sèche là où les conditions s'y prêtent.
Malgré ces efforts, et vu l'importance des pertes causées par la sécheresse, il est difficilement pensable que la production en saison sèche puisse combler ces pertes.
En parlant du déficit en paddy, M. Julian Lefèvre, Directeur des Opérations du PAM à Bangkok, a noté dans son rapport du mois de septembre dernier que, je cite: "la situation dans les provinces affectées parla sécheresse est maintenant si grave qu'il n'y a pas de chance de revenir à la situation normale d'une manière spontanée. S'il n'y avait pas d'aide d'urgence, le Laos connaîtrait des difficultés sérieuses en matière alimentaire au cours d'une ou plusieurs prochaines années et la misère humaine s'ensuivrait en conséquence", fin de citation.
En septembre dernier, notre Gouvernement a fait des requêtes officielles d'assistance alimentaire auprès des pays amis, des Organisations internationales et des Organisations non gouvernementales pour venir en aide aux victimes dans les provinces affectées. Actuellement une partie de l'aide est déjà arrivée au pays,nous donnant ainsi la possibilité de résoudre en partie le problème alimentaire dans les régions endommagées.
Aussi, je voudrais profiter de cette occasion pour exprimer mes profonde gratitude aux pays amis, aux Organisations aussi bien Internationales que non gouvernementales qui ont ainsi répondu à l'appel de notre Gouvernement. Je formule l'espoir que ces pays et ces organisations continueront à nous assister en augmentant leurs aides de sorte que nous puissions réaliser les objectifs du 2ème plan quinquennal dans les meilleures conditions, ce qui nous permettrait ainsi d'apporter notre part de contribution toujours plus active dans le combat contre la faim,la pénurie alimentaire et la malnutrition en Asie du Sud-Est et dans le reste du monde.
C'est sur cette note d'espoir que je voudrais conclure en souhaitant plein succès à notre Conférence.
Hussein JUMAINE (Burundi): C'est pour moi un plaisir et un grand honneur de m'adresser à cette Assemblée à l'occasion de la vingt-quatrième Conférence de l'Organisation des Nations Unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture. En effet, la présente session revêt un caractère particulier puisqu'elle se situe lors de l'élection du Directeur général qui sera appelé à conduire notre. Organisation pendant les six années à venir.
Vous me permettrez, Monsieur le Président, de féliciter chaleureusement le Directeur général pour sa réélection à la tête de la FAO et de lui souhaiter plein succès dans la noble mission que cette Assemblée vient de lui renouveler.
Nous ne doutons pas que vous pourrez, Monsieur le Directeur général, répondre?, comme vous l'avez toujours fait, à l'attente de nos population et contribuer par votre action à l'amélioration des conditions alimentaires et nutritionnelles de notre continent.
La participation à la Conférence générale de la FAO est l'occasion de faire le point sur la situation agricole de nos pays et constitue également le moment d'échanger les expériences vécues dans le développement de nos agricultures respectives. Je vais vous faire part brièvement de l'évolution de la production de notre pays.
Depuis plusieurs années, le Gouvernement du Burundi s'efforce d'assurer l’autosuffisance alimentaire de notre population et d'augmenter les exportations agricoles dans le but d'accroître les recettes en devises nécessaires au financement du développement économique et social de notre pays.
Pour atteindre ces deux objectifs, des moyens financiers et humains importants ont été mobilisés pour mettre en place des projets destinés à accroître la production.
Compte tenu de liexiguïté des terres cultivables, l'accent a été mis sur l'amélioration de la productivité, grâce à l'apport d'intrants agricoles tels que les semences améliorées, les engrais et les pesticides.
Malgré l'importance accordée au secteur agricole, les résultats obtenus n'ont pas été à la hauteur des efforts consentis. En effet, si la production vivrière a augmenté, elle a progressé moins vite que la population. Le taux de croissance annuelle de la production agricole durant les dernières années a été de 1% contre 3% pour la population, ce qui traduit une dégradation progressive de l'alimentation de notre peuple.
La couverture des besoins caloriques, qui dans le temps était largement excédentaire, est devenue aujourd'hui précaire et se base de plus en plus sur la consommation de tubercules, au détriment de denrées plus nutritives. Le niveau nutritionnel est par conséquent déséquilibré et l'on constate une augmentation de maladies de carence surtout chez les groupes les plus vulnérables, comme les enfants, les femmes enceintes et les vieillards.
Dans le domaine des cultures d'exportation, la production a considérablement augmenté en volume. La production du café, qui est notre principal produit d'exportation, a doublé dans les dix dernières années. De même,la production de thé et de coton n'a cessé d'augmenter, grâce aux investissements qu'on y a affectés.
Malheureusement, les cours mondiaux de ces produits n'ont t'ait que diminuer ces dernières années et les recettes qu'on en tire ont continuellement baissé. Les conséquences au niveau économique et social sont particulièrement graves: les finances publiques qui sont largement tributaires des recettes provenant des exportations ont beaucoup souffert de leur baisse; le niveau des investissements publics dans le secteur agricole a diminué, ce qui ne manquera pas de ralentir sa croissance.
Pour faire face aux diverses contraintes qui pèsent sur le secteur agricole, le Gouvernement de In Troisième République s'est engagé à redynamiser la production agricole.
La promotion du secteur vivrier, qui avait été longtemps négligée au profit du secteur d'exportation, sera la première priorité. Pour cela, nous allons lancer des programmes de défense et de restauration des sols pour lutter contre la dégradation de notre patrimoine foncier. Compte tenu du relief accidenté et des pratiques culturales inadaptées, l'érosion pluviale et éoiienne fait beaucoup de dégâts et fait baisser dangereusement la fertilité de nos sols. C'est pourquoi les travaux de lutte antiérosive et de reboisement des crêtes et des terrains à forte pente seront encouragés, en mettant l'accent sur la participation volontaire des populations afin de réduire leurs coûts. Etant donné que les terres dont dispose notre pays sont limitées, l'augmentation de la production s'obtiendra surtout par l'intensification de nos systèmes agricoles.
L'utilisation d'intrants agricoles est peu développée dans notre pays. La quantité de semences améliorées et d'engrais, utilisée par les agriculteurs reste très faible, alors que des essais faits au niveau des exploitations ont prouvé leur efficacité dans l'amélioration de la productivité. Pour les rendre accessibles aux nombreux producteurs qui en demandent, l'on se propose d'améliorer les structures de production des semences, afin de les rendre capables d'augmenter leur quantité. L'utilisation des engrais minéraux va également être encouragée. Compte tenu de leur coût d'importation élevé, ils seront utilisés en complément des ressources locales, dont la production sera développée.
La production animale sera elle aussi soutenue dans le but de faire face aux graves carences en lipides et en protéines animales dont souffre notre population. Pour ce faire, l'accent sera mis sur le développement de l'élevage bovin et surtout du petit élevage dans les zones surpeuplées.
Dans le domaine des cultures d'exportation, en plus de la consolidation des cultures traditionnelles, des efforts seront consentis pour diversifier la production afin de faire face aux fluctuations des prix du marché mondial.
Je viens de vous exposer brièvement les difficultés que connaît l'agriculture dans notre pays ainsi que les programmes que mon Gouvernement entend mettre en oeuvre pour les surmonter. Toutefois, le redressement de la production agricole va demander des moyens importants que notre pays ne pourra pas réunir sans le concours de l'assistance internationale. Jusqu'ici notre pays a bénéficié d'apports substantiels des pays amis et des organismes d'aide pour financer le développement agricole, mais l'on constate,ces dernières années, que les fonds d'aide tendent à diminuer, surtout les aides à des conditions défaveur. C'est pour cela que nous nous associons aux autres pays pour demander aux pays donateurs et aux organisations de financement d'accroître leur aide, particulièrement à des pays comme le nôtre qui doivent couvrir les besoins alimentaires d'une population en très rapide croissance.
Nous demandons également que les pays déjà développés puissent donner plus d'assistance technique pour permettre à nos pays d'accéder aux technologies modernes qui leur permettront d'accélérer la croissance agricole.
Convaincus que la conjugaison de nos efforts va, sans nul doute, porter des fruits, nous nous engageons pour notre part à oeuvrer pour que nos populations puissent mieux manger et mieux vivre.
Marwan AL-HUMOUN (Jordan) (original Language Arabic): In the name of God the Almighty, the compassionate, I would like first, Mr Chairman, to congratulate you on your election to chair this Conference. Also, on behalf of the Jordanian delegation I wish to address my warmest congratulations to Dr Saouma on his re-election. The Conference, through his re-election, has further confirmed its appreciation of Dr Saouma's achievements, and its confidence that he will ably guide our Organization at a point in time where crisis is looming on the horizon, and the need for constructive initiatives and decisions is urgent. I would also like to reassure you that my country will give every support to the Organization, as in the past, which stems from our firm belief in the role the FAO is playing and in our belief that true international cooperation is the only means for constructing a world free from hunger, poverty and under-development. Jordan, over the past decade, has been able to bring about a growth rate of over 7 percent in the agricultural sector, thanks to the use of modern technology, making available the required capital for investment in agriculture and providing incentives which have encouraged investment in the agricultural sector. We hope that by the end of our present economic and social development, which will come to an end in 1990, to reach self-sufficiency in all agricultural comodities except for grains and red meats which, nevertheless, will have reached a good degree of self-sufficiency by that date.
The International Organization of Food and Agriculture has been a helping force in all our efforts and has provided all the technical advice when needed. We wish to express our great gratitude for this support.
In Jordan we feel that international cooperation while enhancing links and bonds between people is an incentive towards true development.
Therefore, we support all efforts that aim at broadening and deepening any form of co-operation of this kind. FAO has always been, and remains, very closely linked to the individual and his potential, and is one of the main vehicles for international co-operation. It is because of this that we appreciate being members of this Organization.
The present world configuration requires extra efforts in order to maintain the vital, dynamic force of the Organization, and also careful scrutiny of the various ideas which have been tabled, which may be appropriate to further strengthen the programmes and actions and performance of this Organization. The Organization was able to succeed in collecting and bringing together all efforts in the area of rural development - fisheries, forestries, and world security - and has also implemented, thanks to the Technical Co-operation Programme, a number of short-term programmes to improve the world information system and Early Warning System: ail this shows how efforts can be co-ordinated between individual countires, and IFAD, and other financial organizations.
This has made available a major flow of investment to developing countries, and these various achievements have further illustrated the way in which the Organization can continue to play its responsible role in the world of agriculture, and have shown that it is capable of performing all the tasks which have been entrusted to it. We have scrutinized the various proposals for reforming the Organization in order tomake it more efficient: suggestions which have mainly focussed on the present cash flow problems of the Organization, and other possible problems for the future. It is our opinion that the cash flow problem of the Organization - which we trust will be a passing phenomenon - will require review and revision of the targets of the Organization, but we will in any case have to bring about some changes, to priorities and action programmes, taking into account the needs of developing countries, particularly those which suffer from very' specific problems. We trust that the present configuration of FAO will make it possible to fulfil its task, provided we can have a more clearcut definition of what has to be done, and that the Director-General will be asked to carry out such a survey, which may include perhaps the setting-up of a committee of experts of the Organization and if necessary calling in external experts as well, and requesting them to submit a report to the next General Conference, as is customary.
In view of the present economic situation, we felt it was necessary to emphasise those actions which have a direct impact on agricultural development, more particularly to give maximum support to agricultural research, the transfer of technology, the protection of agricultural resources, and the development of agricultural policies. Furthermore, we think that it is also necessary to enhance the Technical Co-operation Programmes, which have shown how valuable they are; and here we could, increasingly perhaps, give technical advice to countries by way of non-resident advisers and
counsellors. Here, too, we should fund the Regional Offices, which are directly responsible, in order to compile and assimilate useful information on the regional plane. We hope that here the Organization will take the initiative, in order to change its work of co-ordinating with regional and international organizations, and with appropriate bodies, and thus further again enhancing action in order to avoid overlapping individual operations.
Roberto W. ANSALDO (Philippines): As Head of the Philippine Delegation to the 24th Session of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, I have the honour of bringing to you all the warmest greetings of the President of the Republic of the Philippines, Her Excellency Corazon A. Aquino, as well as greetings from the Secretary of Agriculture, the Honourable Carlos G. Dominguez. They wish to extend their congratulations and best wishes to the Honourable Chairman of the 92nd Council and the Chairman of the 24th Conference and, especially, to the newly re-elected Director-General, Dr Edouard Saouma.
Excellencies, I stand before you now with a deep sense of humility combined with a profound sense of aspiration.
Humility, because coming as I do from a member of the developing group of nations, we really do not, firstly, contribute large amounts of money to the coffers of the FAO. As a matter of fact, the roughly .012 of the budget we contribute to this worthy Organization, if not mainly for the show of solidarity it symbolizes, would not spell the difference in the Organization's life or death. It would not even make it sick -- perhaps not even catch a cold.
Secondly, we do not possess great technological breakthroughs that would be of interest to the more developed countries. There are no announcements in this statement of scientific discoveries that promise world-wide solutions to global hunger and poverty.
No, Ladies and Gentlemen, we in the Philippines are what is commonly called a developing country -- in need of assistance in the form of.finances, technological cooperation programmes, expert's advice and what have you. If you have it, we would normally be quite happy to receive it.
But in the same breath, I do not hesitate to say that, notwithstanding the difficulties and problems our country now faces, we are a proud people. We are proud of our heritage; proud of our continuing struggle for freedom (both economically and politically); proud of our efforts to rise, as a nation, from the bondage and economic ruins of a twenty-year dictatorship; and proud of our country.
At the start of my statement, I mentioned a "deep sense of humility combined with a profound sense of aspiration." Because of your kind indulgence, I just explained the "deep sense of humility." Now I will try to explain what the sense of aspiration means. I will try, as best as I can, to express the needs, sentiments and humble aspirations we in the Philippines, and perhaps in the rest of the developing world, would like to see in the words "agricultural development." What really should agricultural development mean to farmers?
But before we can express what we would like "agricultural development" to mean, let us first analyse what we did in our country, the Philippines.
For the last forty years, agricultural development's thrusts and programmes in the Philippines were born under the famous words "increased productivity to achieve self- sufficiency,": nice sounding slogans which shaped agricultural programmes towards solving our agricultural problems. Most famous of these programmes were the MASAGANA and MAISAGANA programmes: MASAGANA for increased rice production and MAISAGANA for increased corn production -- two of the basic crops in the Philippines covering approximately 2/3 of the cultivated land in the Philippines; 7 million of the roughly 11 million cultivated hectares.
In undertaking these programmes, the government addressed the basic requirements needed to increase productivity and achieve self-sufficiency. These were increased fertilizer application, production of high-yielding seeds and promotion of their use, increased irrigation facilities, price support mechanisms and even establishment of special credit assistance programmes to enable the farmers to buy the increased level of inputs. All these and more reached the rice and corn farmers of my country in the government's drive to "increase productivity and achieve self-sufficiency."
Twenty years after the MASAGANA and MAISAGANA programmes, what are the results? Rice self-sufficiency has been basically achieved in the Philippines. Corn production can also be said to be at the sufficiency level except for the marked seasonality of our corn-growing seasons and the resultant losses arising from the lack of adequate post-harvest facilities. From the point of view of the NATION, the programmes can be said to have been successful. But how about the producers -- the farmers, how have they fared?
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Ladies and Gentlemen, I am afraid that after adjusting for "per capita" earnings and inflation figures, the rice and corn farmers after the MASAGANA/MAISAGANA programmes are no better off than they were before the programme in terms of income levels or purchasing power. But what factors caused this sad state?
Due to pressure from the consuming public, as well as biases in favour of the urban groups rather than the rural countryside, slight increases in the buying prices of rice or corn accompanied inevitably hysterical cries of shortages inadvertently led to importations of the commodity over the last twenty years. Every single year for corn and, for most years, for rice, imported stocks came into our country at practically the same time as harvests, depressing further the already depressed prices of the commodity. The resultant reduced incomes gave rice to one of the great ironies of modern agriculture and the Green Revolution -- the farmer in the Philippines produced more but remained as poor as ever. The vicious cycle had been established: from perceived or actual shortages, to importation, leading to low prices, resulting in lack of incentives, leading to low production, back again to perceived or actual shortages.
How can such a situation with all its initial promise attain such a poor conclusion? Many will explain it away with such explanations as lack of post-harvest facilities, or lack of marketing, or lack of this or lack of that. I prefer not to deal with the symptoms of the problem but rather try to analyze the cause.
Let me explain it by telling you about a personal experience I had just a couple of weeks after joining the Department of Agriculture. I was evaluating several applicants for the post of one of the research institutions in my Country. As part of the evaluation, I called in the most promising candidate and interviewed him. I started the interview with the question "What is the objective of the job you are applying for?" The applicant answered the familiar "To increase productivity to achieve self-sufficiency." I continued. "Who is supposed to benefit from this increased productivity to achieve self-sufficiency?" He replied, in a very proud voice, "The Nation!" Finally, I pushed the question even further and started out with an example. I said, "The agricultural flow of products usually passes through three hands, or three main groups. The first are the farmers or basic producers. The second are the traders or merchants. And the third are the consumers. The l.00 that the trader pays the farmer, is that the farmer's income or expense?-" "Income!" he said. "And the trader?" I questioned. "His expense," he replied. "How about between the trader and the consumer? The 1.00 that the consumer pays the trader, is that the trader's income or expense?" I asked. "Trader's income," he correctly replied'.. "And the consumer," I continued. "Consumer's expense," he replied. "Therefore," I said, "in a case in which the farmer's income is the trader's expense, and the trader's income is the consumer's expense, who is the Nation?"
Ladies and Gentlemen, to this day, that applicant is struggling to determine the answer to that question in much the same way that my own Country is struggling to deal with that reality over the last 25 years.
I am proud to say, however, that under the Administration of President Corazon C. Aquino, the highest priority is given to increasing farmers' incomes. The new mandate is expressed in the of words "make farmers profitable" rather than the old adage of "increased productivity".
In the President's own words, she said, "In agriculture, the role of the government is to create an environment that will make farming pay for the farmer!"
In the two short years since she came into power, our Filipino farmers have benefitted from 40% cheaper fertilizers by the dismantling of the fertilizer monopoly; increase of over 200% in the price of their copra by the dismantling of the copra monopoly; greater private sector consultations towards the determination of agricultural plans and programmes through the establishment of people's councils; and a 140% increase in the price of corn from /2.00 to /2.90/kg.
Going back to the interview, I would like to conclude from that experience I just narrated that, for any agricultural development in any country to be significant and worthwhile, it must result in increased farmers' incomes, incentives or benefits or whatever else you may want to call it in your country. The question is - is he better off now after producing more ... or will agricultural development once again benefit the "Nation" and neglect the farmer?
Ladies and Gentlemen, how much, if any, of our humble Philippine experience applies to international relationships? Can we, in fact, liken some developing countries to the "farmers' group", other countries to the "traders or merchants' groups",while still others to the "consumer groups". And if that, in fact, is the case, and we must face the international reality that one country's income is the other country's expense, what, if any, can multilateral organizations like FAO do to try and encourage member countries to live harmoniously within the reality?
Mr Chairman, I do not have the answer to that question. But I am sure of one thing. That reality has not emerged only recently but rather has been around for a long, long time. Notwithstanding the natural conflicts of interest, our predecessors must have dug deep into their hearts to arrive at those principles of mankind which prompt one man to help another man in need, principles which now form the basis for the United Nations System and the subsequent Food and Agriculture Organization. Those principles which state that weak nations can exist among the strong, that man should share with fellow man and that brotherhood and understanding creare a more enduring pence and economic order than simply the power of the strong over the weak. I trust that we, who have inherited this glorious tradition of the United Nations and the FAO may likewise dig deep into our hearts to rediscover those truths and chart the next 40 years with them.
Mats HELLSTRÖM (Sweden): First of all, Mr Chairman, let me congratulate you and the other presiding officers of this Conference on your election. I would also like to extend my congratulations and best wishes to Dr Saouma on his re-election as Director-General of this Organization. I can assure the Director-General our support in the work to improve the global food situation.
In recent years global agricultural production has increased at about the same pace as world population. However, while there is a surplus of food in some regions there is an alarming scarcity of food in other regions.
Although the total global supply is ample, hundreds of millions of people suffer from chronic hunger and malnutrition. But the difficulties should not overshadow that achievements in agriculture are within the range of possibility, and agriculture has been moving forward, and at an impressive rate in many developing countries. Many developing countries have a potential for food self-sufficiency, and in several countries special emphasis is being laid on agricultural and rural development. And this confirms, in my view, that food security of the individual developing countries to the widest possible and practicable extent should be based on a strengthening of self-reliance.
While an increase in food production remains a central development priority for many countries in the Third World, there is a growing consciousness that increases in food production alone will not provide a solution to hunger and starvation and to economic and social development.
Among other things there exist market distortions in both the North and the South that should be corrected. In the South these distortions must be removed through appropriate adjustment policies if those countries are to produce more food and reduce their dependence on imports. And in the industrialized North the costly surpluses must be avoided or eliminated. Furthermore, agricultural trade barriers must be reduced in a multilateral context.
Agricultural trade will be discussed in the Uruguay Round. The FAO is of course not the forum to negotiate agreements on agricultural trade. Nevertheless I think that FAO has a very important role to play in order to push for certain aspects which might otherwise be overlooked. I note with satisfaction the readiness of the FAO Secretariat to provide the GATT secretariat substantive support and that the FAO has been invited to attend the meetings of the Negotiating Group on Agriculture as Observer.
However, pending the outcome of international negotiations we have to deal with today's grim reality of malnutrition, hunger and starvation in certain countries due to the present food and agriculture situation in those countries. As the FAO is the United Nations' Organization for Food and Agriculture it is the organization with the best possibilities to assist in planning and implementation of agricultural development, particularly in the field of technical assistance and other forms of transfer of know-how.
Mr Chairman, FAO, like other agencies of the United Nations system, is faced by severe financial constraints. In this Organization, like in others, my government urges every member to fullfil its financial obligations. The financial crisis creates a situation, by which it is necessary for Member Governments and secretariats to identify priorities, which in the long-term perspective are
good for the United Nations. But it is not acceptable, given the needs of developing countries, particularly those in Africa, that priorities shall have to be made at too low a level of resources. I therefore urge the donor countries to attain the 0.7 target for official development assistance as soon as possible.
The atmosphere of financial austerity will probably prevail in future years. Limited or even shrinking resources will obstruct the efforts to solve a number of important problems in the field of food and agriculture. Therefore the time has come to make an evaluation of the use of available resources.
At the 91st Session of the Council in June this year it was understood that member countries would submit their views to the Secretariat on certain aspects of FAO's goals and operations, including the need for a reform in the programme budget process. Thus the Nordic countries, i.e., Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and Iceland, have submitted a paper that contains suggestions for future actions and reforms. It is my hope that the proposals of the Nordic countries will be taken into careful consideration, so that the discussions on this topic will lead to a well-considered decision.
As the whole United Nations system in the economic and social field is now being reviewed at the Special Commission of ECOSOC, it is only natural that a corresponding review will be initiated in FAO.
Sweden and the other Nordic countries are, in relative terms, among the biggest donors in the world of economic assistance to developing countries. Sweden has no intention to reduce this assistance despite severe budgetary restraints at home. I can assure you, Mr Chairman, that it is not for reason of saving money in our development assistance budgets that the Nordic countries are proposing a review of FAO, but on the contrary, to give developing countries better value of the money spent in FAO and development assistance in general.
The Director-General has presented s a detailed programme of work and budget for the coming two years. By and large, Sweden supports the declared objectives of the work of FAO in the coming biennium.
Avery careful pruning of administrative andsupport costs is important for international organizations and governments to allow redistribution for growth in technical and economic programmes. I therefore note with satisfaction that - since the Council Meeting in June this year -- there is a further pruning of administrative costs and of liaison costs. This can allow for limited increases in the substantive programmes.
However, as I said earlier, it is particularly important to identify priorities and to concentrate the limited resources. Such priorities and concentration may involve painful decisions when cuts have to be made regarding activities of lower priority. The process should also involve an open mind as to which are the real comparative advantages of FAO and which activities could be performed better by other parts of the United Nations system. In our view it is extremely important that the many organizations of the United Nations are utilized by members in an optimal way. This means that actions taken should be coordinated, not least at field level. Unnecessary overlap and double-work must be avoided. This spirit must guide FAO in its work at all levels.
Mr Chairman, the technical development has given us possibilities of a higher material standard of living. This is extremely positive because so many people do really need a raise of their standard. But the development has also resulted in serious environmental damages.
The consciousness of the dangers that threaten our resources and environment has increased enormously during the last decade. The environmental issues are of a global nature and we are now more aware of the international aspects of the environmental problems than before. What is needed to improve our environment is joint contributions on the international level. Environmental hazards do not stop at national frontiers.
The so-called "sustainable development" is a concept that has been highlighted' by the World Commission for Environment and Development. The chairman was the Prime Minister of Norway, Gro Harlem Brundtland. By using the concept of sustainable development and - based on that - the systematic,
deep-cutting analysis and diagnosis of our future prospects, a new platform for action has been established. The World Commission for Environment has provided us with tools for restructuring governmental and international policies in order to secure our own future. The Commission has also presented strong, environmentally based arguments for increased resource transfers to developing countries. The Commission Report outlines the steps which have to be taken in the restructuring of most economic sectors in order to achieve a sustainable development.
The Swedish Government believes strongly in the need to promote a transition towards sustainable development. One illustration is that the Government has decided to propose to the Swedish Parliament that environmental considerations should become an explicit fifth goal for Swedish development assistance. Consequently very high political priority is given to environment within our development cooperation programme.
It is with satisfaction I have noted that FAO is to review its policies, making full use of the Commission report and the environmental perspective, to adopt sustainable development as a central goal for the programmes of this Organization.
Several reports today give an alarming picture with regard to forestry. This applies in particular to the fuelwood situation and to the deforestation problem in developing countries. The rapid regression and degradation of the tropical forests is no doubt a serious threat to the living conditions for people in many rural areas. However, depletion of tropical forests is a serious environmental problem with devastating consequences not only in the regions directly affected but is a problem of even global importance because of the global role of forests for our life conditions.
As a representative of a forestry country I note with satisfaction proposals have been made from the Secretariat of the long-term goals and strategies of forestry. Furthermore I fully endorse the proposed implementation of the Tropical Forestry Action Plan. In my view the proposals mean that the important renewable natural resource of forestry has been recognized to its full potential.
It seems, however, that forestry has not yet been given its proper place within the FAO total budget resources for 1988-1989. Only 4.2 percent have been allocated to forestry. Sweden is certainly aware of the limited resources available to FAO. But we are convinced that by a careful review of ongoing activities, resources could be reallocated from other sectors in order to bring about increased resources for forestry.
The problems could seem insurmountable. The task before us is enormous and time is running short as has often been said. But as was stated in the Report of the Independent Commission on International Development Issues under the Chairmanship of Willy Brandt: "Mankind has never before had such ample technical and financial resources for coping with hunger and poverty. The immense task can be tackled once the necessary collective will is mobilized. What is necessary can be done, and must be done, in order to provide the conditions by which the poor can be saved from starvation as well as destructive confrontation."
FAO has an important role to play to achieve these goals. And I can assure you, Mr Chairman, that also in the future it will be a main objective for Sweden to contribute to an improvement of the economic and social conditions in the developing countries.
So, Mr Chairman, let us gather the international solidarity together and meet future challenges as confidently and effectively as possible.
Koffi Kaianga WALLA (Togo): La vingt-quatrième session de la Conférence de notre Organisation nous donne une nouvelle occasion de faire, hélas, le constat des contradictions de notre époque et de l'incapacité des hommes à surmonter leur égoîsme pour écarter les graves crises créées par eux-mêmes.
La situation économique des pays du tiers monde continue de se dégrader et des millions d'hommes, de femmes et d'enfants souffrent toujours de malnutrition sinon de famine alors que la technologie atteint de nouveaux sommets et que les richesses du monde, prises globalement, n'ont jamais été aussi abondantes.
S'agissant plus particulièrement de l'Afrique, déjà lourdement frappée par des calamités naturelles qui ont pour nom la sécheresse, la désertification, les épizooties et les ennemis des cultures, un ordre économique international injuste réduit à peu de chose en définitive l'énorme effort de développement entrepris par nos Etats depuis bientôt trois décennies. Les prix de nos produits d'exportation aussi bien miniers qu'agricoles soumis à une intense spéculation continuent de chuter et ne couvrent que rarement les coûts de production tandis que le service de la dette ne cesse d'augmenter aggravé par les fluctuations de monnaies et la hausse des taux d'intérêt.
Face à cette situation alarmante, les remèdes proposés qui ont pour nom ajustement ou réajustement structurel ont montré leurs limites si ce n'est leur totale inefficacité car les appels lancés au sein des instances internationales pour des changements significatifs de l'ordre économique mondial n'ont eu que peu d'écho.
Le génie créateur de l'homme semble incapable de trouver la réponse appropriée au mal dont souffre l'économie mondiale et particulièrement celle des pays en voie de développement.
J'ai voulu par ce rappel et sans rentrer dans des détails superflus souligner l'importance du sujet devant l'objectif qui est le nôtre d'assurer à nos populations une meilleure vie dans leur milieu selon nos options et selon nos capacités propres.
Cet objectif, du point de vue de la République Togolaise, passe d'abord et avant tout par la réalisation de I'autosuffisance alimentaire.
C'est pourquoi le Gouvernement Togolais a lancé la politique de la Révolution Verte depuis mars 1977 et fait de l'agriculture la priorité des priorités. Il s'agit non seulement de couvrir les besoins alimentaires actuels de nos populations mais aussi de disposer de réserves pour préserver le pays des déficits conjoncturels et de dégager des excédents pour l'exportation.
Depuis dix ans, en dépit des aléas climatiques, la production vivrière et les produits de rente ont augmenté de façon substantielle sous l'effet conjugué de nombreuses. mesures incitatives dont les plus importantes sont: l'exonération des paysans de la taxe civique, la diffusion de meilleures pratiques culturales et de semences améliorées à haut rendement, la subvention des engrais et pesticides, l'accroissement des financements publics dans le secteur agricole, l'augmentation des prix des produits agricoles, l'amélioration des conditions de vie en milieu rural grace aux actions de désenclavement, d'hydraulique villageoise et de mise en place d'infrastructures socio-économiques indispensables en matière de santé, éducation, commerce et loisirs.
Depuis 1985 une nouvelle stratégie de développement rural est mise en oeuvre; elle part d'un bilan critique des actions menées jusqu'alors pour replacer l'homme c'est-à-dire le paysan au centre des préoccupations. A ce titre il ne s'agit plus d'encadrer et de développer une culture ou un produit comme cela est souvent le cas mais d'aider le paysan à assurer son propre développement. Cette nouvelle stratégie se traduit concrètement sur le terrain par une restructuration complète des services de vulgarisation et une approche nouvelle dans la conception et la diffusion des thèmes techniques en vue d'un développement rural régional intégré.
La nouvelle stratégie de développement rural prone une utilisation judicieuse des ressources humaines matérielles et financières, la suppression du double-emploi et des gaspillages, une efficacité accrue et la polyvalence des Services de vulgarisation.
L'action vigoureuse menée depuis dix ans a permis d'atteindre un niveau acceptable d'autosuffisance alimentaire qu'il convient de pérenniser et compléter en améliorant le régime alimentaire par le développement des productions animales, en particulier l'élevage des espèces à cycle court.
Le Gouvernement se préoccupe bien entendu de la sauvegarde de l'environnement et de la protection de la nature en mettant en oeuvre un vaste programme d'aménagement et d'utilisation rationnelle de l'espace rural, de création de réserves naturelles pour la faune et la flore et en intensifiant le reboisement. La mise en oeuvre d'une politique aussi vaste et ambitieuse requiert d'importants moyens que les ressources nationales seules ne peuvent couvrir. A cet effet nous nous félicitons de la contribution des pays amis et des institutions internationales à notre effort de développement rural et je saisis l'occasion pour adresser à leurs représentants ici présents les remerciements du gouvernement et du peuple togolais. La FAO prend une part importante dans nos programmes de développement rural et son action multiforme intéresse plusieurs domaines: la planification et la programmation, la production agricole, l'élevage, le reboisement, etc. Je voudrais remercier et féliciter le Directeur général et ses collaborateurs pour la qualité et l'efficacité de l'apport de la FAO au Togo. Nous souhaitons voir se renforcer la coopération entre le Togo et la FAO en particulier dans le cadre du Programme de coopération technique.
La vingt-quatrième session de la Conférence marque une étape importante de la vie de la FAO. Comme à l'accoutumée nous aurons à débattre des problèmes de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation dans le monde, nous examinerons les activités et programmes et nous doterons notre organisation des ressources nécessaires à la poursuite de son action. Mais à ces préoccupations normales d'une session de la Conférence s'est a'jouté l'acte capital que constitue la nomination du Directeur général de la FAO. Il me plaît ici de féliciter chaleureusement Monsieur Edouard Saouma pour sa brillante réélection á ce poste pour continuer avec persévérance la mission de la FAO en faveur du tiers monde et de l'Afrique en particulier. Nous lui souhaitons plein succès dans cette carrière.
L'Afrique a toujours manifesté un vif intérêt pour la FAO qui mène sur notre continent des actions de permier ordre; elle continuera de lui apporter son approche et sa sensibilité particulières pour lui. insuffler une dynamique nouvelle dans ce monde d'aujourd'hui marqué par de graves crises.
La dégradation permanente des termes de l'échange, l'inflation, le poids de la dette publique ne laissent à nos pays que de maigres possibilités de dégager des ressources en vue du développement notamment en direction du secteur rural.
La levée de tels obstacles nous commande, et c'est une caractéristique permanente de la politique togolaise, d'oeuvrer pour la coopération sous toutes ses formes devant une responsabilité, somme toute collective, puisqu'il s'agit de la survie des populations.
Je suis convaincu que l'intensification de cette coopération et le renforcement de la solidarité entre nos Etats et avec les institutions internationales sont les moyens les plus sûrs pour instaurer un dialogue fécond et pour résoudre l'essentiel de nos problèmes.
Le milieu rural plus que tout autre nous paraît le plus indiqué pour cette coopération et cette solidarité parce que l'essentiel de nos ressources en provient et que la grande majorité de nos populations vit et produit dans ce milieu.
Le rôle des organisations internationales telles que la FAO est de canaliser cette coopération et de la traduire sur le terrain, de faire en sorte qu'elle se réalise à travers des structures simples, rapides pratiques et peu coûteuses. Cela n'est possible que lorsque ces organisations prennent en considération nos propres réalités et surtout nos priorités qui n'ont- pas toujours, hélas, la rationalité de celles des pays industrialisés à cause justement de notre situation de sous-développement.
Si nous, sollicitons l'intensification de l'aide et de la coopération internationales, c'est avec une très grande détermination de compter d'abord sur nos propres forces par une meilleure organisation du secteur rural et une gestion efficace de nos ressources agricoles.
Je ne voudrais pas terminer cette brève intervention sans vous féliciter, Monsieur le Président, pour votre brillante élection à la présidence de notre Conférence, féliciter vos collaborateurs du bureau et adresser mes compliments au Directeur générai de la FAO et à ses Assistants pour la qualité des documents qui nous sont soumis.
Je vous remercie pour votre aimable et bienveillante attention.
Alvaro BISSAIA BARRETO (Portugal) (original language Portuguese): Mr Director-General, Mr Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, at the outset I would like to present my congratulations to you, Mr Chairman, and to the three Vice-Chairmen, upon your election. I would like to express our certainty that under your sympathetic guidance this session of the Conference will be successful and remain in the history of FAO as an important meeting for the building of a future base for the invaluable experience which has been accumulated.
I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Dr Saouma most warmly upon his recent re-election for the third term of office, which represents, above all, great hope for the future of our Organization under his leadership.
Every two years, the representatives of the member countries of FAO meet in the headquarters of this Organization in order to extensively review work done and to programme the main lines of action of FAO for the coming years, taking into account first and foremost the problems falling within its scope of responsibility which are of major concern for the world, and which call for concerted efforts by member countries in order to reach a solution.
Without forgetting the particular problem of each of our countries - problems that differ greatly according to each case - by meditating on and exchanging points of view we try to find a consensus that will bring people closer and which helps to prepare a better future for man by developing agriculture, improving human foodstuffs and nutrition, and by reinforcing aid in money, food and other products (and particularly in technicians) which the more wealthy societies can provide for those who stand in the greatest need of them.
It is comforting to see the increasing interest that the more wealthy countries have been showing in helping those who are needy. Perhaps this aid has not been as much as we would like to see; nonetheless, it has provided a valuable contribution that cannot be minimized. It is also gratifying to see that broadly speaking the poorer countries have been using the assistance received either to save millions of human beings from starvation when that has threatened or, in particular to better their production bases and so progress towards self-sufficiency in foodstuffs and increase exports of primary sector products which are specific to their ecological conditions. The building of a more dignified rural world is the work of everyone and in this, all have shown they are equally determined. That is why mutual aid, not linked to the names of contributing countries but provided through this Organization, has been bolstering aid and helping the work of development as well as saving human beings from starvation. This achievement must be stressed, in spite of the imperfections typical of all human endeavour.
We must keep in mind the farmers whose interests we are trying to defend and whose wellbeing we are trying to ensure by seeking out what most unites us and forgetting those details which divide us. Since we have limited time, let us make good use of it by thoroughly studying the problems specific to this Organization, leaving other assemblies to deal with those other problems that they are competent to handle.
World agricultural output has grown substantially in recent years, and except in Africa where the increase in population is more marked, the per capita production has gone up regularly. This situation is encouraging. Unfortunately, however, and in spite of everything, there are still areas of the globe where hunger persists with alarming intensity, and I say "alarming" because human lives are at stake. Hunger persists due to causes that are widely known, which are capable of being eliminated and therefore within the reach of our collective efforts.
The advanced technology of the developed countries, associated with reduced demographic growth, has in many countries led to a steady increase in food production. The result is that surpluses pile up, disposing of them is not always easy, and storage is costly. This is the sort of situation which will be aggravated unless proper steps are taken to correct this distortion. The existence of these surplus foodstuffs disturbs the international market, inviting the use of special but not always straight-forward marketing measures. It bring down prices and hampers access to the markets for those countries with lower technologies, owing to difficulties which are quite well known in respect of competition in quantity, quality and price. This situation in itself disturbs the economies of the wealthy countries and severely affects the economies of the poorer countries, because such efforts as they may be making to increase their food production naturally will lead to internal surpluses. If these surpluses exist, even if they are only occasionally for lack of a market, such surpluses will act as a brake and discourage programmes of self-sufficiency in foodstuffs that some of the developing countries are engaged in.
Straight-forward dealing in international trade must be demanded by everyone, and must be put into practice by all. Instead of trying to correct these imbalances by means of a posteriori measures, it is necessary to find common ground for agreement and systems that can prevent imbalances from occurring.
Another point that we should think about is undoubtedly the support that countries with more advanced technology can give to their partners in the developing world for the better development of their resources. Portugal supports the efforts the Organization has been making in this respect because such efforts follow the kind of promotion to be implemented - putting those countries that are less wealthy but have suitable and available teams of technicians on an equal footing with those who can afford large sums of money for spending on this important type of assistance. It is our opinion that this kind of action must be reinforced. But it must always be integrated into the development policies as defined by the governments of each country whose primary concern is the wellbeing of their population. They therefore try to ensure food security which will provide the population with a sense of tranquility and will assist in guaranteeing social stability for the entire community.
Mr Chairman, I did not intend to speak in particular of the agricultural and food problems of my country in this assembly which, after all, must first and foremost concern itself with the major sectors of agriculture, food and development on a world scale. However, I would mention one or two points from those that are more closely related to FAO because of the support we have received, and because of the contribution we have made to development. Portugal has profited in particular from the accumulated experience and assistance of FAO in areas such as the Codex Alimentarius, better nutrition, renewable energy for agricultural purposes (to which my Ministry is giving a great deal of attention), in basic information relating to agrarian restructuring, agricultural and rural multipurpose activities and the role of women in agriculture. Acquisition of this knowledge, together with that obtained from other sources, we consider to be invaluable for modernizing farming in our country in the face of the great challenge - which we shall certainly meet - of our becoming a member of the European Economic Community. The new situation in which we find ourselves has been an important accelerator in the Improvement of our production structures and the quality of our products. Because we know development is achieved with men, for men and through men we are
giving high priority to the training of farmers and fishermen, especially with young people in whom we have great hopes. At the same time, we are formulating the official services which give backing to those people in order that they can respond more effectively to a growing and more far-reaching demand with regard to a new generation of farmers and fishermen.
Forests constitute a priority sector for Portugal. On the one hand they are regarded as a proper way of taking advantage of poor soils where agriculture is not economically viable. On the other hand forests represent an Important basis of economic and social development within the framework of the country. Forestry already occupies more than 3 million hectares of the poorest soils of Portugal, which means about 30 percent of the entire national surface area. There are still an additional 2 million hectares classified as "uncultivated", most of which we consider will be suitable for afforestation. Therefore, for ray country it is a priority task to increase the afforested area with the most suitable three species and to protect the existing forest against their natural enemies.
Forest fires in all their intensity and gravity are common to all the Mediterranean countries, and are the great destroyer of forests in Portugal as well. We are also deeply concerned with the problem of acid rain, a problem which preoccupies some of our European colleagues. But we are particularly disturbed about the threat of forest fires. So although we understand the concern expressed about acid rain, at the same time we bear in mind our own concern regarding forest fires in a Mediterranean country. Therefore, we have advocated the association of these two problems in a programme for forest defense in Europe. FAO has approved and encouraged this. We well know how greatly these matters concern FAO in view of the economic and social implications revealed by the destruction of forests. Therefore, we would be very glad if the forest fire studies which are of concern not only to the Mediterranean countries of Europe but elsewhere, were given particular attention by technicians in FAO.
We feel that there ought to be more international meetings on this matter in order to allow an exchange of information and experience between member countries, and in order to make this information available to the countries concerned, in addition to making a determined effort to train personnel specialized in fire prevention and fighting. This year in Portugal there have been 4 365 forest fires which burned 70 000 hectares of forest and 40 000 hectares of scrub land. Although these figures must be considered in the light of the total area of Portugal, which is 89 000 sq. km., they show that there has been an improvement over previous years thanks to effective steps taken by the Government and private individuals in order to prevent fires or fight them more quickly and more effectively.
In the meantime, through the Forestry Action Programme, and with the support of our own development plan for Portuguese agriculture, we ace intensifying our efforts to increase the afforested area by means of new nurseries and plantations without neglecting the creation of new structures and the improvement of existing ones. All of this has been in order to give better protection and to enable greater advantage to be taken of, and added value to be given to, forestry products, namely the production of higher quality timber and increase in the local industrialization of products such as cork, resin and tanbark.
My country is about to embark upon a series of ceremonies commemorating the discoveries and the great sea voyages of the 15th and 16th centuries in which the Portuguese people played an outstanding part, through which new peoples and other civilizations became known, and through which there were exchanges of experience in the fields of new cultures, new plants and new technologies. We have indeed been in contact with the world in development for more than 500 years. We have accumulated knowledge and experience that at long last are beginning to be recognized and for a long time have been in demand. We gave to the world and to development a contribution that must be acknowledged as valuable by everyone, and the work that we have achieved testifies clearly to our effort and how much we gave, and how often, at the cost of stagnation in the development of our own land. With many of these peoples we have privileged relations, a profound knowledge of their problems and great sympathy for their concerns and preoccupation.
Although Portugal is a country without great financial resources, nonetheless in recent years we have maintained and strengthened deep and productive ties of cooperation with many of these countries, thanks to accumulated knowledge and to the knowledge that we continue to generate in our universities, centres of research and other institutions. We have consistently expressed the wish that Portuguese technicians and experts with internationally recognized experience in the tropics should be used in larger number and more frequently by this and other organizations in projects aimed at developing agriculture in tropical areas and in the progress of the local populations.
Two years ago we celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Organization that this year begins a new stage with the election of its Director-General. We sincerely wish that this event may be a starting point for reinforcing FAO's action in joining together countries and peoples that can do most on behalf of those in greatest need.
Jean-Martin KAMBIRE (Burkina Faso): Monsieur le Président, au nom de La délégation du Burkina Faso, je voudrais tout d'abord vous adresser mes vives félicitations pour votre élection à la Présidence de cette 24ème Conférence. J'adresse également mes félicitations à Monsieur Edouard SAOUMA pour sa^ réélection au poste de Directeur générai de la FAO. Tout en lui souhaitant plein succès dans sa lourde mission, je lui assure la disponibilité de mon pays à renforcer sa coopéracion avec cette grande institution dont il a la charge.
C'est pour moi un honneur de (m'adresser à cette auguste Assemblée afin d'apporter la contribution du BURKINA FASO aux réflexions menées autour des questions en débat pendant cette 24ème session de notre Conférence.
En effet, le diagnostic rélève que la situation mondiale de l'alimentation et de l'agriculture reste préoccupante, malgré les progrès accomplis dans le domaine de la production agricole dans de nombreux pays, ces dernières années. Ainsi, nous constatons que, malgré l'accroissement de la production alimentaire mondiale, l'accès à la nourriture reste un problème à résoudre pour les populations de bon nombre de pays du tiers monde. De même, ces pays qui tirent l'essentiel de leurs ressources de l'agriculture, voient leurs revenus s'anéantir avec la chute vertigineuse des prix des produits agricoles sur le marché international :c'est par exemple le cas du coton qui constitue le premier produit d'exportation du BURKINA FASO.
En Afrique sahélienne, l'amélioration de la pluviométrie ces trois dernières années s'est accompagnée malheureusement de l'apparition du fléau acridien. Grace à la mobilisation des populations, à l'assistance de la communauté internationale et à l'efficacité de l'organisation des Services nationaux de protection des végétaux sous la coordination de la FAO, ce danger a pu être provisoirement maîtrisé; mais il nous faut rester vigilants, car nous avons gagné des batailles, mais pas encore la guerre. Je profite de cette tribune pour remercier très sincèrement tous les pays et organismes donateurs qui ont permis aux paysans de sauver leurs récoltes.
S'agissant du BURKINA FASO, la situation de l'agriculture et de l'alimentation présente les caractéristiques suivantes:
1) les contraintes majeures du développement de l'agriculture burkina-be résident dans:
- la grande dépendance de la production vis-à-vis des aléas climatiques,
- le caractère extensif des systèmes de production, entraînant la dégradation des ressources naturelles, facteur d'accélération de la désertification,
- le faible niveau d'équipement technique des producteurs,
- le faible niveau de formation et d'organisation des agriculteurs et des éleveurs,
- le fort taux d'analphabétisme des paysans.
2) face à cette situation d'arriération de notre agriculture, les autorités politiques du BURKINA FASO ont, depuis l'avènement de la Révolution démocratique et populaire, le 4 Août 1983, choisi de faire de l'agriculture le moteur de l'économie nationale. Ainsi, la priorité des différents Gouvernements révolutionnaires qui se' sont succédés demeure I'autosuffisance alimentaire, car un peuple qui a faim est un peuple voué à la domination; et l'édification d'une économie nationale indépendante est incompatible avec la dépendance alimentaire.
L'on comprend alors pourquoi la politique agricole du BURKINA FASO s'articule autour des trois axes suivants:
- l'intensification et la diversification des productions agricoles, en fonction des potentialités naturelles,
- la formation et l'organisation des producteurs,
- la mise en oeuvre de la réorganisation agraire et foncière.
L'intensification et la diversification des productions agricoles visent à mettre progressivement fin à la pratique de l'agriculture itinérante et de l'élevage transhumant. Il s'agit d'accroître la productivité dans un esprit de complémentarité et d'intégration mutuellement bénéfiques de l'agriculture, de l'élevage et de la foresterie. Les actions prioritaires suivantes ont été retenues par le Gouvernement:
- utilisation accrue d'intrants agricoles (semences améliorées, engrais et pesticides) avec un accent particulier pour la matière organique en rapport avec le développement de la culture attelée,
- recherche de la sécurisation des productions agricoles par le développement des cultures irriguées à travers la réalisation de programmes d'aménagements hydro-agricoles sur une grande échelle,
- développement des cultures fruitières et maraîchères,
- développement des productions animales, avec priorité à la pêche et au petit élevage, moins consommateurs d'espace et économiquement plus rentables,
- lutte contre l'érosion des sols, en y associant les actions de reboisement d'agroforesterie.
La formation et l'organisation des paysans visent à accroitre leurs compétences professionnelles et leur capacité de gérer eux-mêmes leurs affaires afin de les responsabiliser pleinement dans une optique d'autopromotion. A cet effet, la formation coopérative, la vulgarisation agricole, l'animation et l'alphabétisation fonctionnelle constituent les actions prioritaires.
Enfin, la réorganisation agraire et foncière vise l'utilisation rationnelle des ressources naturelles, principalement de la terre, pour un développement harmonieux au bénéfice des populations, tout en préservant l'environnement. L'application de cette stratégie s'est matérialisée à travers le Programme national de gestion des terroirs villageois et le Programme national de lutte contre la désertification qui peut se résumer par le mot d'ordre des "trois luttes":
- lutte contre les feux de brousse,
- lutte contre la divagation des animaux domestiques,
- lutte contre la coupe abusive du bois.
Dans tous ces programmes, une attention particulière est accordée au renforcement et à la valorisation du rôle de la femme pour une émancipation véritable.
Bien que très récente, cette nouvelle politique a commencé à porter ses fruits grâce à la prise de conscience généralisée obtenue par la sensibilisation et l'information permanentes.
Comme vous le constatez, le Peuple Burkina-be est déterminé' à gagner la bataille contre le sous-développement. Cependant, la réalisation de nombreuses actions énumérées ci-dessus et inscrites dans le cadre du premier Plan quinquennal de développement populaire 1986/1990 nécessite des moyens qui dépassent largement les ressources limitées de l'Etat Burkina-be.
Nous pensons que le financement de tels programmes doit s'insérer dans le cadre d'une aide globale consentie par la communauté internationale, aussi bien au niveau bilatéral que multilatéral. Le BURKINA FASO est favorable par ailleurs à la Coopération entre pays en développement autant qu'il est ouvert à la coopération nord-sud. Nous attendons de nos partenaires une conception du développement qui ne se limite pas à des actions ponctuelles et à des opérations d'urgence, mais qui privilégie les programmes de développement à moyen et long termes. Dans le même ordre d'idées, la conception de l'aide alimentaire doit évoluer, afin de devenir un catalyseur de la production nationale: échanges triangulaires (achat par les donateurs de céréales locales dans les pays excédentaires au bénéfice des pays déficitaires d'une même région), don d'intrants et de matériels agricoles appropriés aux producteurs.
Concernant précisément les questions inscrites à l'ordre du jour de cette 24ème Conférence, je voudrais réaffirmer l'importance que le BURKINA accorde au rôle de la FAO. En effet, cette institution spécialisée des Nations-Unies, grace à son assistance multiforme aux Gouvernements en faveur des petits exploitants ruraux, a contribué à faire reculer les frontières de la faim et de la pauvreté dans le monde. C'est pourquoi, malgré la faiblesse de ses ressources, mon pays a toujours payé ses contributions, et dans les délais.
A ce propos j'ai le plaisir d'informer la Conférence de la décision du Gouvernement Burkina-be de renoncer aux excédents de contributions qui s'élèvent à 3 476 dollars E.-U. au titre du biennium 1984/85 compte tenu des difficultés financières de l'institution.
Je profite de cette tribune pour témoigner notre satisfaction quant à la qualité et l'importance de l'assistance de la FAO au BURKINA pour la réalisation de ses différents programmes dans le secteur agricole. Aussi, tout en approuvant le Programme de travail et de Budget 1988/89, nous déplorons la stagnation des ressources qui ne permet pas à la FAO de développer le programme de terrain et en particulier le Programme de coopération technique dont la souplesse permet de répondre rapidement à des besoins spécifiques des Gouvernements et des producteurs ruraux.
Avant de conclure mon propos, je voudrais adresser une requête du Gouvernement Burkinn-be à la-i Conférence. En effet, le BURKINA FASO exprime, par ma voix, sa disponibilité et son souhait d'abriter le dixième Congrès forestier mondial en 1991. Cette proposition traduit la volonté farouche du peuple burkina-oe de gagner la bataille contre la désertification, et je ne doute pas que notre initiative sera soutenue par tous les délégués en temps opportun.
Enfin, mon pays reste convaincu que l'humanité, grâce aux progrès scientifiques, est en mesure d'accroître les productions agricoles et d'éliminer à jamais le spectre de la faim, de la malnutrition et de la misère qui sont encore des maux dont souffrent quotidiennement de nombreux habitants de notre planète. Mais cela ne sera possible que grâce à une solidarité agissante entre tous les peuples du monde; il nous appartient donc d'aider la FAO à accomplir cette noble mission.
Je souhaite plein succès aux travaux de la 24ème session de la Conférence de la FAO.
La Patrie ou la Mort, Nous Vaincrons !
Musa ABU FREWA (Libya) (original language Arabic): On behalf of my Delegation, I would like to express my warmest congratulations to you, Sir, upon your election to the Chairmanship of this Conference. I would also like to extend my congratulations to the Vice-Chairmen. I take advantage of this opportunity to present my Delegation's congratulations to Dr Edouard Saouma upon his re-election to head the FAO for the next six years. I think this is a proof that the international community recognises the role played by Dr Saouma in contributing to and enhancing food production in the developing world.
On the subject of the economic situation, the situation of agriculture and food supplies in developing countries holds out little cause for rejoicing. This is why we think that this situation may indeed become dangerous, unless something is done to reverse the current trend. Similarly, we are convinced that the crisis has been caused by some countries with a view to undermining the economic development of developing countries, and in order to allow them to extend their hogonomy. The burden of foreign debt weighing upon the developing countries, the freefall of prices of commodities exported by developing countries, the protectionist measures that have been enacted by the industrialised countries, have all contributed to hindering economic development in general, and agricultural development in particular. Certainly, to the mind of our Delegation, this .differs in no way from the colonialism of earlier years, which hampered economic and social development, and prevented the move towards true independence.
We are convinced that efforts intended to undermine the United Nations system, and to put a stranglehold upon developing countries under various slogans such as reform, and equality of opportunity, is but a way of hiding the attempts that are being made to put back the clock. We are not opposed to reform - indeed, on the contrary, we advocate reform, and are firmly convinced of its desirability.
We are also prepared to join our efforts to those of others of goodwill who are seeking to ensure that the United Nations specialist agencies be more effective, and that they be strengthened in their activities, so that they can better meet the needs of the developing countries. But that being said, we must say quite frankly and openly that we reject any efforts intended to paralyse international organisations, to divert them from collective action based upon the quality of opportunity and the respect of the sovereignty of States, and efforts aimed at transforming the system into one where the rich dominate the poor.
We shall not be prepared to accept that the FAO be turned into an organisation where, to be admitted, you have to have your subscriber's card, or your purchasing-power card.
We ara anxious not to waste time tonight, and for that reason we shall not go into the details of the various items before the Conference. We are convinced that our Delegation will have ample opportunity to express its views within the various specialised Commissions. However, on this occasion, I cannot but express a few comments on the Programme of Work and Budget for 1988/89.
We recognise the situation that obtains, and we understand that the FAÜ has presented a Programme of Work and Budget at a level well below the level required of the FAO, and we know that the increase of 0.25 in the Budget is not a sufficient increase. We know that it is not a logical increase, because it cannot in any way cover the costs that derive inevitably from fluctuations in rates of exchange, fluctuations in parities.
We also know that some countries have not paid their contribution, and indeed that is the main reason for the financial crisis that the FAO currently faces: this is why we would ask all countries in general, and industrialised countries in particular, to pay their contributions. There is no reason why these countries should delay the payment of their contributions, because by so doing they prevent the FAO from implementing the programme which it has. been intrusted with by the Conference.
I would like, at this point, to emphasise the absolute priority that we attach to the Technical Cooperation Programme, which is designed to meet the most pressing needs of the developing countries. For this reason, we should like to support those who have lent their support to the current budget level, and we hope that any shrinkage in the budget will be only very temporary -and we hope, in particular, that this will not affect FAO's activities.
Agriculture is the basic component in my country's development strategy, a development strategy which aims at self-sufficiency, and which seeks to free us from dependence upon imports. We are quite convinced that he or she who is able to eat has freedom. Obviously, no nation can be free if its food comes from beyond its boundaries, and that is why the agricultural sector has received the major share of our investment programme, and its investment, as I say, has gone first and foremost to the agriculture sector which, over the period 1970 to 1986, has received $14 billion in investment - that is to say, seventeen percent of the total expenditure of the State, in all sectors.
This investment in agricultural projects and programmes has resulted in a considerable development of agriculture and animal husbandry, in order to meet local consumption needs. Similarly, we have developed citrus fruits; we have expanded various other crops, and we have also increased poultry farming, as. well as other activities. We have stepped up our wheat production, and in this way it has been possible to considerably reduce our dependency upon foreign sources of supply, and import much less.
Over the last seventeen years, our development projects have represented a total of some one hundred and seventeen, as a result of which more than two million hectares have been developed. In turn, this has enabled us to increase our production of wheat and barley from 49 000 tons in 1970 to 400 000 tons in 1986; vegetable production has gone up from 2 000 tons in 1970 to 700 000 tons in 1986; fruit production has gone up from 90 000 tons to 350 000 tons between 1970 and 1986; and meat production has gone from 25 000 to 110 000 tons over the same period.
These increases in production are evidence of the great interest that the Jamahira takes in food security, both nationally and internationally; and within the framework of international co-operative activity, particularly co-operation between developing countries, and with a view to joining our efforts towards combating hunger and malnutrition, the Jamahira has set up more than twenty-two joint ventures in the agricultural sector - joint ventures with other nations with whom we enjoy good relations. These are beneficial to all the participants, and contribute to enhancing food security in the world.
My Delegation expresses the hope that the Resolutions before the Conference will measure up to the heavy burden which the Organization is called upon to carry, so as to promote agricultural development and contribute to furthering the wellbeing of the rural population, with a view to eradicating hunger and malnutrition across the world, so that mankind may live in freedom and dignity. We are convinced that a people's freedom is only true freedom if it is based upon economic freedom.
Hugh HEYLIGER (Saint Christopher and Nevis): I am indeed privileged to be afforded the opportunity to address this 24th Session of the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization today.
Let me first of all congratulate the Chairman and the many others who have been elected to the various offices at this very important Conference. I must offer special congratulations to Dr Edouard Saouma on his election to serve a third term as Director-General of FAO. Mr Chairman, his re-election to office is certainly an endorsement for the excellent job he has been doing as he seeks to steer this Organization on the path to achieve the goal for which it was established.
Mr Chairman, this Conference provides us with a glorious opportunity to seriously evaluate the global situation as it pertains to agriculture. Indeed, we need to adopt a pragmatic approach as we analyse and evaluate the work of the FAO and seek to devise various strategies and programmes geared to further strengthen the FAO with the ultimate goal of increasing agricultural production in the developing countries, and combat the problem of poverty, hunger and malnutrition worldwide and improve rural standards of living.
Mr Chairman, there is much talk about "International Agricultural Adjustment" and the need for structural adjustment in the Agricultural Sector of the developing countries. To seriously examine this issue and to seek to devise a way forward would of necessity involve a serious analysis and evaluation of the issue of dependence.
Mr Chairman, briefly, the issue of dependence is a phenomenon with which the developing countries have been struggling for centuries. Taken in the historical and political context, the developing countries, in colonial times, served as a source of primary commodity production. Primary goods were produced for the "mother country" and the pattern was set for the structure and development of open export-led economies. The colonies became exporters of primary commodities and importers of finished goods. This pattern continued even after political independence was achieved. Indeed, it still exists in many cases today.
The dependency phenomenon, in recent times, takes the form of technological, financial and market dependence. As countries seek to reorganize, restructure and reorient their economies, the need for the infusion of large capital inflows becomes readily apparent. Thus, with a relatively small or non-existant capital base developing countries are forced to seek this financial assistance from the developed countries, thus repeating the cycle of dependence.
Mr Chairman, given the structure of the economies of the developing countries, any programme of structural adjustment of the economy as a whole and the agricultural sector in particular, must be a long term undertaking. The process would need the cooperation and assistance of the developed countries in the form of not only technical and financial assistance, but also easy access to their markets. Developing countries are faced with falling commodity prices and rising cost of production. This is further aggravated by the agricultural policies adopted by many developed countries where the agricultural sector in many of these countries receives huge direct and indirect subsidies that tend tò distort production and trade, promote inefficient production and shut out our market opportunities.
It is imperative that the developing countries be afforded the opportunity of being able to reorient our agricultural sectors, increasing production and achieving a measure of food security. This adjustment would involve the development and upgrading of necessary infrastructure, and the transfer of appropriate technology. In addition, it would involve the removal of non-tariff barriers which are used to limit the access of goods from the developing countries to the market of the developed countries.
Mr Chairman, the developed countries must not just pay lip service to the issue of structural adjustment and impose unrealistic conditions; they must assist with its implementation. We in the developing countries cannot undertake the process by ourselves; it must be a cooperative effort. We are ready, willing and able. Mr Chairman, without the proper access to these markets, the adjustment process is doomed to fail, and will in the long run have a devastating effect on the economies of many of the developed countries. It must be remembered that we provide a ready market for a significant proportion of the manufactured goods produced in these developed countries. It is important that we are afforded the opportunity of securing the hard currency needed to purchase not only the range of inputs needed for the agricultural sector but also many of the consumer goods which find their way into our markets.
Mr Chairman, the issue of modernisation and diversification is necessary if we are to tackle the problem of poverty, hunger and malnutrition; if we are to meet the aspirations of all of our people. The FAO has a clear role to play in this, and I am confident that with all of our collective will and effort, we will find a way forward.
Mr Chairman, the problem of post harvest losses must be seriously addressed. The losses suffered by farmers tend to be a disincentive and seriously affect productivity and total output in the Sector.
It is imperative that programmes developed to assist in alleviating this problem must of necessity assist farmers at the field level. This must be in addition to the development of storage and processing facilities. This assistance should also involve training at all levels: the professionals, sub-professionals, technicians, farmers, and all workers involved in the transportation of produce.
Mr Chairman, we in the Caribbean make a case for special consideration to be given to small states with limited natural resources. In most cases our only resources are our land and our people. The combination of these two vital resources is critical to the whole development process. However, smaLl states, especially small island states tend to be characterised by small open economies, with limited resources base, limited capital due to a low level of domestic saving, a very high import ratio, and negative balance of trade and balance of payments. Although the problem of poverty, hunger and malnutrition may not be readily evident in our region, it is important that the special situation of small states be seriously considered and given the appropriate assistance. Let us not wait until there is a crisis to act.
Mr Chairman, too often we find a situation where inappropriate "tools" are used by donor countries to determine the type and level of assistance to be provided to various countries. We hear about one's absorptive capacity and per capita income.
Mr Chairman, these crude measures in no way provide a serious analysis and evaluation of the real situation and the problems that affect a country, more so a developing country. In the context of economic development, Mr Chairman, it is imperative that we look at the pockets of underdevelopment and the level of development of people. Because, at the end of the day, if the average individual is not affected by the assistance given, then there is no development.
Mr Chairman, instead of using per capita income, I am proposing that we use indicators like the level of health care, education, housing, nutrition and income distribution. These would certainly give an indication as to not only the types of programmes needed but also the levels of assistance required.
Mr Chairman, I would now provide a cursory glance at what is taking place in my country, St. Christopher and Nevis. Mr Chairman, we have just published our five year development plan which highlights the role agriculture must play in the overall economic development process. Moving from the state of a sugar monoculture, special emphasis will be placed on food crop production, livestock and fisheries; indeed the training and development of our human resources will receive special attention.
With assistance from the Caribbean Development Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the United Nations Development Programme, we have recently completed an Agricultural Diversification Programme which seeks to develop a viable small farm sector by improving production and marketing, strengthening of the organizational structure of support institutions especially the Department of Agriculture, improve credit arrangements for crops and livestock and stimulate the process of modernization and improve the viability of the fishing sub-sector.
The whole aim is to incrase farm incomes of the target population and to make agriculture attractive and a dynamic growth sector.
This programme has put together various policies and projects geared to the structural adjustment of the agricultural sector. The FAO has played a significant role in the development process in St. Christopher and Nevis over the relatively short period since we attained membership in this Organization. Mr Chairman, the FAO has provided assistance with the undertaking of an agricultural
census, livestock development and milk production, fodder bank development, agricultural planning, setting up of a soil advisory service, the development of a monitoring and evaluation of projects programme, to highlight but a few projects. We are anticipating increased involvement of the FAO as we implement this important agricultural diversification programme.
Mr Chairman, with assistance from the Caribbean Development Bank we have constructed feeder roads to provide access to unutilized and underutilized fertile land. The CDB also provided assistance in the form of a loan to enable government to procure heavy duty equipment to be used in land preparation, thus providing valuable assistance to our dispossessed and underprivileged small farmers. Assistance from the United States of America, through USAID, has enabled us to undertake a major Soil Conservation and Watershed Management programme; the United Kingdom has provided assistance with the upgrading of some marketing outlets and the construction of a new Administration Building for the Department of Agriculture. Other agencies have provided assistance.
Mr Chairman, it is important to note that almost 70 percent of our IPF under the present cycle of our UNDP Programme has been allocated to the agricultural sector. We are not just paying lip service to the programme of structural adjustment. We allocate significant shares not only of "aid" assistance, but also of our own scarce resources to the process, as we intend to help ourselves significantly.
The role of women in agriculture forms an integral part of our adjustment programme, and special programmes have been developed to fully integrate women in the process and ensure that they receive not only adequate, but just compensation.
The Ministry of Women's Affairs works in very close association with my Ministry to ensure that the contribution of women to the sector is properly and appropriately recognised.
Mr Chairman, we are now poised to implement a land use/land tenure policy which will go a Long way in helping our small farmers. Special provisions and necessary legislation have been implemented to ensure little disruption of the environment.
Mr Chairman, let me now turn to the issue of REFORM, an issue which seems to be very important at this Conference. My delegation has no problem with the concept of administrative and other reforms. However, any reform of FAO must take into consideration the on-going programme already undertaken by FAO itself which has already impacted on the efficiency and effectiveness of the Organisation. My delegation does not support the proposal as put forward in the resolution.
Mr Chairman, my delegation supports the Programme of Work and Budget as presented. We further support the efforts of the Director-General with respect to the TCP activities, and we would like to see the TCP budget strengthened. This programme has proved vital and critical in the development of small states.
Mr Chairman, the World Food Situation is critical and I would propose that it is not just a problem of production, but distribution as well. Let us resolve the critical food situation not only in Africa but throughout the world, and in so doing achieve some measure of social justice. Let us not be sidetracked by certain issues which can only delay and frustrate. The need is great and the time is NOW.
Mr Chairman, in closing, let me say that this year's World Food Day celebration focused on the "Small Farmer". Now that we have done this let us make the hopes and aspirations of this target group a reality; let us bring a brighter day to this deprived and negelected group.
Dasho Leki DORJI (Bhutan): Mr Chairman, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a great honour for me to address this General Conference of the FAO. May I, on behalf of my delegation and on my own, congratulate you, Mr Chairman, on your election to this very important post. In spite of the many difficult issues we shall no doubt be confronted with in this session, we are confident that under your wise and able leadership our deliberations will proceed smoothly and successfully.
My delegation would like to avail of this opportunity to offer our warm felicitations to the honourable Director-General whose well-deserved re-election has so auspiciously coincided with this session of the General Conference. We wish him every success in carrying out his onerous responsibilities. We believe his new term will see a further increase in support for FAO and its dedicated service, and a greater effectiveness in the use of the resources entrusted to it.
For Bhutan,as For many other developing countries, FAO plays a vital role in agriculture and forestry sectors. At the same time, we would like to acknowledge the complementary role of the other UN institutions, and other international and regional development agencies, whose collaboration and co-ordination are necessary if optimal use is to be made of development assistance. in this connection, I would like to pay tribute to the UNUP, and would like to express the hope that the excellent working relationships now established in Bhutan between the UNDP, FAO and WFP, will further improve and grow over the years to come.
The Himalayas are as much a challenge to farmers as they are to climbers. The ruggedness of the terrain and the high altitude set strict limits to the agricultural season. Still, agriculture has been the mainstay of our people through the ages, and from the reign of our previous King, which coincided with the beginning of planned economic development in the kingdom, the frontiers of agriculture have been extended. Our five-year plans have paid special attention to the development of agriculture. This has been made possible by the wise guidance and deep commitment and attention given by His Majesty the King to the problems of the rural sector. The generous assistance of both multilateral and bilateral donors have contributed effectively towards establishing a sound base for agricultural development in Bhutan. In the Sixth Plan, in addition to our traditional donors, chief among which is India, substantial aid is also anticipated from Switzerland and Japan.
Mr Chairman, as an indication of our concerted efforts in the field of agriculture, I wish to report that we have just celebrated World Food Day on 16 October with the major focus on the small farmers of Eastern Bhutan.
Although the priorities in the first four development plans have perforce leant towards basic infrastructural development, the underlying objectives of achieving improved living standards for the people and of self-reliance were accorded an increasingly important place within the resources available, with greatly enhanced development expenditure, notably in agriculture, during the Fifth Plan. Throughout, despite the efforts made over the past 25 years to create the skilled manpower resources required to meet the needs for a modern administration geared to development, virtually every service and development activity in the kingdom has been constrained to some extent by the shortage of appropriately trained and experienced manpower.
in the Sixth Plan, therefore, while the two major objectives are to attain food self-sufficiency and to raise the per capita income of the rural population, human resources development is reflected as an essential requirement for development as well as a desired end in itself.
Towards this end, agricultural training is assigned high priority and, accordingly, a new Agricultural Training Institute is to be established, in the early stages of which FAO will play a major role.
Agriculture and animal husbandry remain by far the most important sector in Bhutan's primarily agrarian economy, prividing the main source of employment and income for over 90% of the population whose well-being, and that of the land and water upon which they depend, are related to the preservation of the natural forests which now cover some 70% of the kingdoms land surface.
Forests, therefore, play a vitally important role in conservation in ail its aspects, so that while their carefully planned commercial exploitation provides a valuable source of export earnings, their role in conserving the natural environment is paramount, not only for the sake of future generations of Bhutanese, but also for the welfare of millions who live downstream of Bhutan's major rivers. During the course of preparation of the Sixth Plan, therefore, every aspect of potential erosion and of counter-measures in soil and water conservation were explored - an exercise to which FAO contributed in several ways, including a Rural Development Workshop, and subsequently, a TCP consultancy on shifting cultivation.
Mr Chairman, my Government is profoundly appreciative of FAO's assistance, which has increased considerably over the past three years, and we are particularly grateful for access to TCP funding, for although the sums involved are relatively small, flexibility and timely response have played a part in establishing the usefulness of TCP.
Mr Chairman, the last conférence; was an occasion to offer congratulations to FAO on its Fortieth Anniversary. Now, two years later, natural calamities and unfavourable terms of trade continue to act as a brake on virtually every Third World economy. FAO and its members must, therefore, strive harder to overcome the difficulties that beset us so mercilessly.
My Government, Mr Chairman, supports the proposed Programme of Work and Budget presented by the Director-General. Similarly, we shall be fully prepared to support any changes that will result in more efficient use of the resources made available to us through FAO.
Our limited experience seems to suggest that the suitability and competence of experts that FAO fields, represents one key element that can either imporve or lower the effectiveness of FAO assistance. However, we do believe that FAO continuously strives to do the best it can.
Mr Chairman, we in Druk Yul, or Bhutan as we are known to the outside world, attach great significance to our association with FAO, and we are keen to further step up the level of this interaction. It is in this vein, Mr Chairman, that I now urge the Director-General, in his wisdom and in recognition of the greatly increased level of FAO activity in Bhutan, to raise the status of the FAO sub-office in Thimphu, to something more appropriate to its level of activity in Bhutan.
In conclusion, I offer you my TASHI DELEK.
LE SECRETAIRE GENERAL: Les delegations du Mali, des Bahamas et du Niger nous ont fait savoir qu'elles ne seront pas en mesure de prononcer leur intervention durant le débat général et qu'elles en enverront le texte pour insertion au procès-verbal.
Issa ONGOIBA (Mali): Je voudrais tout d'abord vous remercier pour l'insigne honneur qui m'est ainsi fait de prendre la parole devant cette auguste assemblée.
Permettez-moi de saisir l'occasion qui m'est ainsi offerte pour adresser mes vives félicitations au bureau qui vient d'être élu pour diriger les travaux de cette vingt-quatrième session et dont vous assurez la haute présidence.
Je tiens aussi à adresser ces félicitations au Directeur général de la FAO pour sa réélection, et à lui exprimer ma profonde gratitude, ainsi qu'à tout son personnel, pour les efforts qu'ils déploient et n'ont jamais cessé de déployer pour la matérialisation des nobles idéaux de notre Organisation.
Chaque session de la Conférence de la FAO doit être l'occasion pour la communauté internationale de méditer sur la situation alimentaire mondiale.
Grâce aux progrès de la science et de la tehnique, l'homme a la possibilité de subvenir aux besoins alimentaires de toute la population terrestre.
Cependant, force est de constater que la faim et la malnutrition connaissent une évolution dramatique dans de nombreux pays du tiers monde, particulièrement en Afrique, en Asie et en Amérique latine.
Pourtant, la Conférence mondiale de l'alimentation qui s'est tenue en 1974 avait fixé une échéance de dix ans pour enrayer la famine de notre planète. Les résultats atteints depuis sont bien en deçà des espérances et la situation va en s'empirant.
En Afrique, la crise alimentaire a atteint des proportions si alarmantes que les Chefs d'Etat et de Gouvernement ont adopté en 1985 un programme prioritaire de redressement économique de l'Afriquequi donne la priorité absolue au secteur alimentaire et agricole.
Cette position a été confirmée dans le programme d'action des Nations Unies pour le redressement économique de l'Afrique (1986-1990) adopté par l'Assemblée générale des Nations Unies en Mai 1986.
En Septembre 1986, l'étude faite par la FAO et intitulée "L' agriculture africaine, les 25 prochaines années" aboutissait à la conclusion que le redressement économique de l'Afrique dépend des augmentations de la production et de la productivité.
Mais comment augmenter la production et la productivité si l'Afrique est frappée de plein louer, par les effets de la crise économique internationale; si elle est handicapée de surcroît par une lourde dette extérieure, la baisse des prix de ses exportations agricoles et la montée du protectionnisme? Et enfin pour les pays africains sahéliens les efforts ne sont-ils pas annihilés par le fléau de la sécheresse?
Dans les conditions actuelles, la paupérisation du monde rural va en s'amplifiant, privant ainsi les agriculteurs des possibilités d'investir dans les intrants nécessaires à .l'améliorâtion de la production.
Il est grand temps d'instaurer un ordre économique plus juste et plus durable afin que les pays africains qui viennent à peine de se remettre des durs effets de la sécheresse et de la famine puissent sortir de la récession économique et aborder la dernière décennie du 20ème siècle avec plus d'espoir et de confiance.
Le Mali a particulièrement été éprouvé par la sécheresse des années 70 et du début des années 80. Ses conséquences sur les hommes et le cheptel ont été si désastreuses qu'il a fallu des actions énergiques tant aux plans national qu'international pour éviter l'hécatombe.
Grace à Dieu, les campagnes agricoles 1985/86 et 1986/1987 ont été marquées par des pluviométries relativement satisfaisantes. La production céréalière a atteint 1 780 700 tonnes en 1986/1987 contre moins de 1 million de tonnes en 1984/85, cependant si la production en céréales sèches a dépassé le niveau des besoins, il n'en a pas été de même pour la production rizicoie où le Mali accuse un déficit de plus de 100 000 tonnes.
Pourtant, mon pays dispose de vastes plaines irrigables en toute saison, et de ressources importantes en eau.
Cet immense potentie 1, s'il était exploité, nous permettrait non seulement d'assurer notre autosuffisance alimentaire, mais aussi de contribuer à celle de toute la sous-région.
Le Mali n'est-il pas connu jusqu'à un passé récent pour être le grenier de l'Afrique de l'Ouest?
Dans le secteur de l'élevage, de gros efforts sont accomplis dans le sens d'une exploitation rationnelle du cheptel, de l'amélioration de ses conditions d'alimentation et d'une meilleure couverture sanitaire de ce cheptel.
Dans le domaine forestier, l'accent est surtout mis sur les actions de lutte contre la désertification et l'avancée du désert.
A cet égard, mon pays a déjà élaboré un Plan de lutte contre la désertification, dont la mise en oeuvre, à travers des programmes et projets concrets, devra nous permettre de restaurer l'équilibre écologique et d'assurer un véritable développement du pays, car à notre avis, cette lutte doit être perçue dans un contexte de développement.
Quant au secteur de la pêche, les actions sont surtout orientées vers le développement de la pisciculture, l’ empoisonnement des grandes mares, l'amélioration des techniques de pêche, l'étude de la dynamique des populations halieutiques.
Le Mali a bien vite compris que la priorité qu'il accorde au secteur rural doit passer nécessairement par l'amélioration des conditions de vie des populations rurales.
C'est pourquoi le Parti et le Gouvernement ont opté pour le développement endogène et participatif à la base, lequel est axé sur la responsabilisation pleine et entière des populations rurales.
C'est ainsi qu'on assiste de plus en plus à une véritable transformation structurelle du monde rural. Des initiatives de base se développent sur toute l'étendue du territoire.
Sous l'impulsion du Parti et du Gouvernement, des associations villageoises, communément appelées Tons Villageois,se constituent et accomplissent certaines fonctions précédemment dévolues aux structures étatiques. Ces .dernières les assistent et opèrent progressivement des transferts de responsabilités à leur niveau.
Les résultats très encourageants obtenus par cette approche de développement basée sur l'auto-promotion des communautés villageoises forcent l'admiration et confirment la justesse de l'orientation prise par le Parti et le Gouvernement.
La présente campagne agricole a été caractérisée par une installation tardive des pluies. Cependant, les cultures n'ont pas encore connu des attaques brutales et spontanées des ravageurs comme ce fut la cas la campagne précédente. C'est dire que les actions préventives menées par nos pays avec l'aide de la communauté internationale se sont avérées utiles et efficaces.
Je saisis cette occasion solennelle pour exprimer ma profonde reconnaissance à tous les bailleurs de fonds et à tous les organismes qui nous ont apporté aide et assistance dans le domaine de la protection des végétaux.
Cette aide s'est concrétisée dans beaucoup d'autres domaines, mais surtout dans le Programme de restructuration du marché céréalier mis en oeuvre par mon pays depuis 1981.
Ce programme vise à corriger les distorsions au niveau du marché des céréales. Notre politique céréaiière préconise l'encouragement du secteur non public tout en veillant à une meilleure adéquation des prix et des revenus en fonction des quantités disponibles de céréales.
La faim, la malnutrition, la pauvreté et la maladie constituent de véritables défis que l'humanité se doit de relever.
Pour ce faire, l'égolsme doit faire place à la solidarité, le désordre à l'ordre, l'aide alimentaire à l'aide au développement.
Les pays en développement ne doivent pas être confinés dans un état d'éternels assistés, car une telle situation peut être préjudiciable à la paix mondiale.
La Communauté internationale doit soutenir les actions propres à accroître la production et la productivité dans les campagnes en permettant au monde rural d'avoir accès aux intrants, aux services et aux crédits nécessaires. Cest en cela que le Plan d'aide alimentaire aux pays en voie de développement que mon collègue Ministre français de l'agriculture a décidé de promouvoir trouve toute son importance.
En effet ce programme, auquel nous souscrivons, consiste à moraliser le marché des céréales en évitant que les grands producteurs ne vendent à des prix très bas leurs stocks, mais au prix de revient du pays le plus compétitif en dessous du prix mondial.
Les sommes ainsi dégagées seraient ensuite utilisées pour mettre en place un plan d'aide alimentaire, qui se situe autour de trois axes: couverture des besoins immédiats des pays en développement, soutien technique et apport du savoir-faire.
Avant de conclure je voudrais Monsieur le Président, au nom du Parti et du Gouvernement de la République du Mali, remercier d'une part tous mes collègues qui m'ont précédé à cette tribune et ont fait des exposés brillants et constructifs, et d'autre part la FAO et tous les pays et Organisations internationales qui continuent de nous aider dans le développement de nos productions agricoles, animales, forestières et hydrologiques, et j'ose espérer que ces efforts ne seront pas vains pour la lutte contre la faim dans le monde.
Le Mali est en tout cas engagé aux côtés de tous les peuples épris de paix et de justice pour mener le combat contre la faim et le sous-développement, et c'est sur cette note d'espoir qu'il faut espérer que les Etats qui s'engagent sur la voie de cette lutte sauront sauver l'humanité. 1/
____________________
1/ Texte reçu avec demande d'insertion au procès-verbal.
Erwin KNOWLES (Bahamas):
ECONOMIC STRUCTURE AND RECENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS
The Commonwealth of the Bahamas became an independent country within the British Commonwealth in July, 1973. The country forms an archipelago of approximately 700 islands and cays covering nearly 100 000 squares miles of the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of South-east Florida, extending southward to Northern Hispnnioia. The resident population is predominantly young, with about 50 percent below the age of 16. The political system is based upon the British Westminister model of parliamentary democracy, with a bi-cameral legislature made up of an appointed Senate and an elected House of Representatives, and an independent judiciary.
The Bahamas has been significantly influenced by political and economic events in Europe and the United States. Historically, the economy has been an open one, with a strong service sector orientation, as a result of the country's geographic position and lack of significant natural resources. Initially, much of the economic activity is dependent upon the availability of good, and plentiful harbors. It has provided alternately a base for pirates (the most famous being Edward Teach, otherwise known as Blackbeard), for British raids against Spanish gold shipments, for gun running to the Southern States during the American Civil War and bootlegging during the prohibition period in the United States. Since the more widespread advent of air travel in the 1930 the economy entered into its most sustained period of economic development based upon a fuller exploitation of the country's tourism potential. To this has been added the development of an international finance center from the early 1960s, as a result of taxation and foreign capital movement legislation introduced in the United States and Europe.
Tourism is of overwhelming importance to the economy, accounting indirectly and directly for about 35 percent of GDP and providing employment for over 50 percent of the working population. This growth has not been accidental, but is a result of consistent Government policies since the end of the Second World War. Tourism promotion has been vigorous, with considerable Government resources devoted to what has become a very sophisticated tourism marketing effort. Furthermore, successive Governments have adopted and implemented policies that have fostered private sector confidence and investment in the sector. This pragmatism and consistency accounts in no small measure for the very successful development of the offshore banking sector.
Economic growth and development has not been uniformly distributed throughout the country, with most of the advances being made in New Provide'nce and Grand Bahama islands. As a result, migration, particularly to New Providence and Nassau, have imposed social and infrastructural difficulties, and inhibited the more rapid expansion of the economic opportunities on other islands. Furthermore, the very open nature of the economy, together with the strong reliance on one major sector, has made the economy very vulnerable to external economic developments.
Foreign investment has played a crucial role in the country's economic development, particularly during the 1960s when growth averaged 9.0 percent per annum. It has been estimated that during this period, direct private foreign investment, excluding the financial sector, exceeded one billion. $U.S. dollars, most of which was in the tourist sector, with the result that by the early 1970 it was estimated that 80 percent of tourist accommodations were foreign owned. The crucial, catalytic role of foreign investment continues; however, since the early 1970s there have been some significant modifications. Following independence, the Government has sought to follow a Bahamianization policy which has manifested itself in various forms. In particular, the Governement, through its Hotel Corporation, took a role in hotel construction and ownership and has established other organizations designed to foster local entrepreneurship in other areas that serve the tourist sector. In 1981, the Governement passed the Immovable Properties Act, designed to bring greater control to land and property transfers.
The robust economic performance recorded in the 1960s has not been followed in the 1970s for a variety of reasons. Economic recession abroad, particularly with regard to the oil price shocks of 1973 and 1979, a temporary uncertainty occasioned by Independence in 1973, all served to reduce investment in the country's leading sectors. Nevertheless, by the end of the decade, the economy recovered rapidly, led by strong growth in tourism from the United States and renewed growth in tourism from the United States and renewed growth in construction activity, both residential and in the tourism sectors. The number of stopover visitors rose sharply by 22 percent in 1978 and by 14 percent in 1979, which undoubtedly influenced investor expectations with a doubling of construction which started in 1979 and again in 1980. This rapid advance in economic activity in these two years had a favourable impact upon unemployment, however, the demand for skilled artisans created shortages amongst particular categories. This problem of an adequate supply of sufficiently trained, skilled workers has persisted, with the result that structural unemployment remains a major development challenge.
Agriculture
The Government attached considerable importance to the expansion of domestic production to reduce import dependence and increase linkages with the tourism sector. The various programmes introduced over the past decade have had varying degrees of success, and total agricultural and fishing activities still account for less than 5 percent of GDP, and only about 25 percent of the acreage that is suitable for tillage is presently being utilized. A variety of impediments inhibit the sector's growth. Local labour is expensive and scarce, which demands a high degree of mechanisation. The present system of Packing Houses and Product Exchanges is constantly being reviewed and upgraded to better meet the needs of farmers. As with agriculture, there is considerable potential to expand the Bahamas fishing industry, and Government is presently undertaking a review and redrafting a variety of fishing regulations that will upgrade quality and marketing arrangements.
Social
Substantial progress has been made by the Government in improvement of the level of health care and education over the past decade there has been a steady increase in student/teacher ratios and the coverage of the education system is good. The quality of the system required further enhancement, however, and more efforts needed to expand technical and science training, particularlyas these pertain to specific industrial vocation skills. The country is facing a housing shortage In recognition of this, the Government is increasing its involvement in the sector. In 1983, the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation was formed to provide low cost housing finance and a reorganized Ministry of Housing and National Insurance is providing private construction incentive grants for low income housing construction. To further consolidate the progress made to date, there is an urgent need to develop the land title recording system and undertake a comprenhensive physical development plan for New Providence that covers land use, zoning, infrastructural and utility requirements and environmental and ecological factors.
Recent Economic Developments
The Bahamian economy of the early eighties has performed well, further consolidating upon the gains made in the late senties. There was a very significant decline in 1981, as a result of a 12.8 percent decline in stop-over visitors and a reduction in manufactured exports from the offshore manufacturing sector with the closure of the steel plant and a sharp fall in cement production. Both occurrences may be traced to economic recession in the United States and indicate the economy's vulnerability and reliance upon the economic performance in the U.S. Since this year, however, there has been steady growth, with stop-over visitors in 1984 some 27 percent higher than the low recorded in 1981. Furthermore, while construction activity decline from late 1983 and during 1984 following completion of two major hotel projects, manufacturing output has risen steadily, particularly in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors.
TABLE 1
SELECTED ECONOMIC INDICATORS
(Percentage Changes)
| 1980 |
1981 |
1982 |
1983 |
1984 | |
|
Real GDP m.p. 1/ (1977 prices) |
6.7 |
-9.0 |
7.5 |
3.2 |
6.4 |
|
Private Consumption | |||||
| (1977 prices) |
-3.3 |
-2.2 |
-0.7 |
1.1 |
6.0 |
| Tourist Days |
7.8 |
-10.3 |
1.7 |
9.6 |
3.8 |
|
Export of Goods | |||||
| (1977 prices) |
10.0 |
-8.4 |
8.6 |
8.7 |
9.8 |
|
Import (1977 prices) |
10.4 |
3.9 |
4.4 |
8.1 |
6.8 |
|
Construction (1977 prices) 2/ |
34.0 |
37.0 |
5.0 |
14.7 |
-12.5 |
|
Electricity sales (kwh) |
0.5 |
-2.1 |
4.2 |
9.8 |
10.6 |
1/ Deflators used are staff estimates, and details of their various compositions may be found in the note preceeding the statistical annex.
2/ Estimated utilizing the Statistics Department's methodology of moving average of the value of construction starts.
Source: - Various tables in the Statistical Annexes
Investment has averaged about'21 percent of GDP over the past five years, which is almost double that recorded (11.9 percent) over the preceeding five years and represents a healthy expression of confidence in the country's economic future. Much of this investment has been in construction, particularly in the expansion of tourism accommodation capacity, with Governement involvement in two large hotel projects in 1982 and 1983. In some respects, the pace of this expansion in tourism capacity, which has been concentrated in New Providence, has caused some concern amongst both private and public sector officials involved in the tourism industry. It is felt that considerable excess capacity might exist, depressing occupancy rates and ultimately operator profitability. Residential and other commercial construction has also been very robust, particularly in New Providence, reflecting expansion in offshore banking and rising disposable incomes. Completion of the large hotel projects noted above and re-equipment in some public corporations, has caused public sector capital formation, as a share of GDP, to fall to its lowest level in over ten years. Given the infrastructure needs of the country, particularly in the Family Islands, this level of public sector investment may be too low.
The unemployment rate in 1979 was 14.3 percent with a labour force participation rate of 45.9 percent. While specific data is unavailable, it is believed that this unemployment rate has declined over the past five years. IMF staff estimates for selected sectors indicate that employment during 1980-1984 has increased at an average annual rate of about 4%, which when compared to a rate of population national increase of 1.8% per annum, does suggest that substantial progress has been made in the reduction of overall unemployment. Nevertheless, these advances have not been distributed across all age and sex groups and geographic zones. Migration to Nassau and New Providence, particularly amongst the younger age groups, has created pressure upon the capital city's absorptive capacity and it is believed that unemployment in this age group is high.
In the Family Islands, employment opportunities that meet the expectations, or skill levels, of younger workers are deficient. On the other hand, shortages of labour occur in larger scale agriculture, which are often met by utilizing legal and illegal migrants from other Caribbean countries. Overall, employment growth has been most rapid in the hotel sector, although there was a substantial rise in Government employment in 1981 and 1982. While exports from the offshore manufacturing sector have improved, employment in the manufacturing sector has declined, reflecting the closure of the steel and cement plants, and substantial reductions in capacity utilization in the oil refinery in Grand Bahama.
TABLE 2
EMPLOYMENT IN SELECTED SECTORS
(In Thousands)
| 1980 |
1981 |
1982 |
1983 |
1984 | |
| Government |
12.04 |
12.71 |
18.79 |
14.07 |
14.32 |
|
Other Public Sectors 1/ |
- |
- |
- |
3.30 |
3.38 |
|
Hotels & Restaurants |
6.60 |
6.70 |
6.80 |
7.57 |
8.34 |
|
Offshore Manufacturing 2/ |
139 |
1.37 |
1.33 |
1.09 |
1.04 |
|
Financial Sector |
2.57 |
2.73 |
2.84 |
2.96 |
- |
1/ Bahamas Electricity Corporation, Bahamas Telecommunications Corporation, Bahamasair, Bahamas Broadcasting Corporation, The Central Bank of The Bahamas, and Water and Sewerage Corporation.
2/ Including petroleum industries.
Source: - IMF Staff Estimates
The balance of payments of the Bahamas exhibits a number of characteristics that are common to the region. First, the Bahamas has historically exhibited large negative trade balances, counteracted by large net inflows on the service account as a result of tourism revenues. Second, the large amount of foreign investment that has occurred, particularly in the development of the tourist sector, has meant that factor service payments and investment income paid abroad have been large, averaging 10.2% of GDP over the past eight years. As a result, the current account, and the resource balance, is subject to significant short run volatility following the volatility of tourism visitor arrivals and investor expectations. Furthermore, while import levels will adjust to lower economic activity, they tend to do so with an appreciable lag. Consequently, considerable emphasis is placed by the Central Bank on monitoring and control of the balance of payments. In particular, considerable attention is directed at domestic credit creation and the consumer credit component of this. This policy emphasis is appropriate given the openness of the economy and the lack of fiscal policy instruments that may serve to depress demand during periods of lower foreign earnings.
The nominal value of the Bahamian dollar is maintained at par with the U.S. dollar. As a result, the nominal effective exchange rate of the Bahamas has appreciated significantly over the past four years, reflecting the rise in the U.S. dollar. Over this period, the real effective exchange rate of the Bahamian dollar (utilizing relative consumer price indices) is estimated to have appreciated by 27 percent. Despite this rise, the current account and resource balances have improved continually since 1981. In 1983, the current account balance became positive for the first time in five years and reached 1.4 percent of GDP in 1984. This general improvement is a result of substantial improvement in merchandize exports in 1982 (25.8 percent increase) due to rapid growth in the pharmaceutical industry in Grand Bahama and an increase in exports of alcoholic beverages. In 1983 and 1984, the further improvement in the current account balance was due to the rapid growth in tourism receipts, reflecting the economic growth in the United States. This growth in tourism receipts more than offset the rise in imports due to the growth in domestic economic activity.
Net capital movements recorded a large surplus in 1981, however, the position has weakened since then and moved into deficit in 1983 and 1984. This deterioration reflects a shift of both the public and private sectors from large external borrowings in 1981 and 1982 to net payments of such borrowings of the Hotel Corporation to finance hotel construction, with repayment starting in 1984. Despite these movements, net official foreign reserves have improved almost continually since 1978 with substantial improvements in 1984, which appears to be continuing into 1985. These reserves now represent about eight weeks of imports and, as such, are at their highest level in over eight years 1/.
Interest rates in the Bahamas have tended to remain very stable throughout the 1980s despite wide movements in international rates and in domestic price inflation. The commercial banks prime lending rate has remained fixed at 11 percent since 1981, while the bank rate moved once from 9 to 10 percent in January 1982. As a result, real interest rates have fluctuated considerably over the past eight yeras. Deposit rates were negative for four years, from 1978 to 1981, with a peak in 1980 of 4.6 percent. Prime lending rates were also marginally negative, particularly in 1980. Given this interest rate situation, it is not surprising that during the period 1979 to 1981, credit extended by the commercial banks significantly exceeded the increase in local currency deposits. This development was a reflection not only of the widening of diffrentials between domestic interest rates and Euro-dollar rates and the negative domestic real interest rates, but also due to the financing of several major investment projects in 1979 and 1980, and increased financing of the trade sectors' inventories during the economic downturn in 1981. To satisfy this demand, the commercial banks reduced their excess reserves and borrowed from the Central Bank. These liquidy pressures began to abate somewhat in 1982 as real interest rates rose and domestic currency deposits rose rapidly. Public sector borrowings were high in 1982 and part of 1983 as a result of hotel construction and refurbishment activities. However, by 1984 there was a substantial decline in net credit to the public sector, and the local banks liquidity position further improved. This highly liquid position has persisted into 1985 with the result that some new deposits have not been accepted. If this persists, then it might be expected that deposit and lending rates will decline.
In general, wage rates in the country are high when compared to other parts of the Caribbean, and in many categories are similar to those which may be found in the United States, particularly the Southeast. However, given the lack of any progressive personal income tax, the distribution of this wage income may be somewhat more skewed. The economy continues to suffer labour shortages in certain critical areas. These include artisans in the building industry, qualified accounting personnel, professional and technical personnel, particularly in computer services and automible repair. There has been immigration from other Caribbean countries, particularly from Haiti, which tends to add to the workforce at the lower skill and wage levels, although the precise number of these immigrants is unknown. Various government officials feel there is a need to develop a formal recruiting scheme for immigrant workers, given the government's inability to monitor its dispersed island constituency.
________________________
1/. It will be noted that net errors and omissions category in the balance of payments exhibit very large swings, the reasons for which are difficult to explain. The IMF found, in analysis of this issue, that this category may in part, be explained by unrecorded private capital flows in resposne to a decline in the spread between U.S. and Bahamian interest rates since late 1981. Regression results for a period from the first quarter of 1979 to the fourth quarter of 1984, suggest there is statistically significant relation between the errors and omissions item in the Bahamian balance of payments and the interest rate differential.
TABLE 3
RETAIL PRICE CHANGES FOR NEW PROVIDENCE
(Annual Averages)
| 1979 |
1980 |
1981 |
1982 |
1983 |
1984 | |
|
All Items Index |
9.0 |
12.1 |
11.1 |
6.1 |
4.1 |
3.9 |
| Food |
10.9 |
15.1 |
14.8 |
6.8 |
1.4 |
1.7 |
| Housing |
6.5 |
9.5 |
8.1 |
5.6 |
7.3 |
4.8 |
| Transport |
6.6 |
11.6 |
6.2 |
5.8 |
7.0 |
4.4 |
|
Clothing/Footwear |
12.5 |
15.5 |
8.2 |
7.7 |
5.3 |
6.0 |
| U.S. C.P.I. |
11.3 |
13.5 |
10.4 |
6.1 |
3.2 |
4.3 |
Source: Statistical Annex
Following a relatively high inflationary period from 1979 to mid-1981, prices have steadily declined in The Bahamas. These price movements tend to closely follow those of the United States, the country's principal trading partner. After declining to a rate of 2.75 percent in mid-1984, the pace of price rise increased during the second half of the year to 4.5 percent. The largest fall in price inflation has been in the food category, most of which is imported from the Southeastern United States. The rate of decline of consumer durable and non-durable price rise has not been as great and may, in part, reflect high concentration within the importer and distribution sectors which may have impeded the "passing on" of the price moderation in imported goods.
AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT
The Bahamas has set an objective of self-sufficiency in those foods which can be produced locally. The role of the Food and Agriculture Organization has been a positive one, in assisting in achieving this objective. Some of the projects in which the Government; has received assistance include the following:-
1. Agriculture Planning and Development Project 1974
2. Census of Agriculture 1978
3. Emergency Supply of Imports to Rehabilitate Agricultural Production after Hurricane David October 1979 - March 1980
4. Sheep Production Development 1979
5. Marketing Consulting 1981
6. Staff Training in various Agriculture Discipling
7. Fisheries and Cooperatives Development
8. Forestry Development
9. Most recently the preparation of a National Food and Nutritional Plan 1986 and;
10. An extension training workshop at Andros 1987.
Over the years the Government has demonstrated its commitment to the agricultural sector which is reflected in the considerable investment made in this sector and this has resulted in seceral major achievements.
1. Almost all the research infrastructure needed to adequately stimulate and monitor a modern Agro-Industry is in place. These include three production research facilities:
a) Food technology Complex
b) An Animal Nutrition Division
c) A Plant Propagation Unit.
2. A staff of one Bahamian trained Agriculturalist in 1968 has been expanded to more than 50 University trained persons covering virtually all areas of Agricultural activity and expertise.
3. The rudiments of a well trained Extension Division has been built and is constantly being expanded and upgraded to allow farmers to put to use the information and techniques established at the Research Facilities.
4. A subsidies programme has been put in place to assist farmers and processors. This includes duty free concessions valued at more than $2M per annum. As a result of adaptive research, the vegetable production season has been extended from 3 months to 5 months (November to June). The value of Agricultural output over the last fifteen years has grown at the average rate of 6 percent per annum from under $10M. to more than $30M.
The Marketing system has been expanded and improved by the construction of a new Produce Exchange in Freeport and seven Packing Houses in major production areas. As a result, production has increased with noticeable improvement in the quality of most produce.
In order to achieve an optimum degree of National Food Security and self-sufficiency, a two-pronged approach has been devised.
1) Northern Zone
Based on available technology, the Northern Bahamas is where the potential for large-scale production lies. Accordingly, the following major project-types have been earmarked for this region:-
a) Beef/Dairy Production - On units averaging 5-20 000 acres as well as possible feed lot operations.
b) Edible Oil Production Involving the production of oil seeds (soya, sunflower, peanuts and corn).
c) Animal-Feeds Production - Involving large-scale production and processing of feed grains.
Horticultural/Floricultural Crops for Export - These would include the production and processing of tree crops (especially citrus) winter vegetables and exotic fruits and vegetables.
d) Pig Production/Processing - This area has been hitherto restricted to Bahamian entrepreneurs and is probably the easiest to be developed from local resources.
11) Southeastern Zone:
In the South Eastern Bahanas, land, soil, and water resources are not readily available to large-scale mechanized agriculture. Consequently, agricultural ventures for this region face certain (natural) disadvantages. However, being mindful of the sociological implications, it was decided that Agriculture should form a major part of the Economic activity of the area. Accordingly, some projects that can utilize appropriate technology have been planned and are being implemented, examples are:-
a) Grain/Legume Programme - This entails the production of non-perishable and storable crops of corn, sorghum, peas and beans.
b) Root Crops Production - Growing of sweet potatoes, cassava,yams both for human consumption as wellasfor animal feeds.
c) Primary Processing -A major processing facility for pineapples is planned for one of the Southern Islands(E.leuthera ). Production of the raw material will be encouraged in the South Eastern Islands in the classical 'Satellite farm concept approach'.
d) Small Tree Crop Units - 5 - 10 acres of citrus, mango, avocado and pineapple orchards for out of season production of vegetable crops.
e) Livestock Units - Small-Scale Ruminants, pig, poultry (Egg/Layers) and rabbit Units will be encouraged. These are intended to primarily upgrade the nutritional content of local diets as well as supply small tourist facilities that will develop or now exist in these areas.
National Food Policies have been reviewed to focus more effectively on establishing the necessary linkages between Agriculture, Fisheries and the related sectors of the economy and to ensure an adequate supply of nutritious food for the Bahamian people. These changes also reflect previously announced policies of reducing dependency on imported food, expanding agricultural production for exports and creating employment opportunities. Priority will be given to the development and diversification of small-scale domestic agriculture to meet local food needs and to encourage the development and expansion of large-scale commercial production for export. Emphasis will also be given to the expansion of Agro-Industry as a means of creating jobs and encouraging crop diversification and increased production of food stuffs for local processing and consumption.
The level of food consumption continues to increase at a dramatic rate and at the end of 1986, the National Food Bill was estimated to be $300M. By contrast, local production of Agricultural and Fisheries products amounted to an estimated $50M. Almost every year a new multi-million dollar facility to import and distribute food products is being built. It is estimated that the $300M worth of food, imported could support approximately 20 000 to 30 000 jobs in the countries from which these products are bought.
As estimated 200 000 acres of prime agricultural land exist with adequate ground water resources, which has the potential to be developed for large and medium scale agro-industrial projects. The realization of this large Agro-Industrial potential, should not only virtually eliminate the importation of basic food stuffs, but allow us to export considerable quantities of winter fruit and vegetables and other Horticultural and Floricultural products.
SUMMARY OF OBJECTIVES
1) Investing approximately $400M and $500M to achieve a50-90 percent self-sufficiency an acceptable national food security status in the long term.
2) Through level of development, re-patriate most of the 20 000 jobs associated with the national food bill of close to $250M per annum.
3) Ensure, in so far as isfeasible, maximum participation of Bahamian farmers, processors, distributors and entrepreneurs in these developments.
4) Ensure that maximum financial and economic benefits accrue to the Bahamian people and economy. Particular emphasis should be placed on the use by Bahamians of the largest untapped employment reservoirs represented by agro-industrial development.
Long Term Research Projects
Certain long term research projects designed to widen the scope of Bahamian agricultural activity are being undertaken. The most important of these include:-
1) Temperature Orchards
Certain fruits that are imported in large quantities appear capable of local commercial exploitation. These include grapes, apples, peaches and kiwi fruit. Accordingly, assistance is being sought from several oil companies with Bahamian interests for the establishment of small scale temperate orchards for research purposes.
2) Grains/Legumes
Several important species of grain crops - triticale, tropicalized wheat, oats, mung beans, etc. are being evaluated with assistance from Alabama A & M University and other international agencies. Of special interest is jojoba, which appears to have potential for an agri-industrial crop for the South Eastern Bahamas.
3) Mohair Production
There appears to be some potential in the South Eastern Bahamas for rearing Angora goats for mohair production. A small research project centered around this will be initiated shortly.
To further stimulate such Agro-Industrial projects, promotional effort will include special incentives for potential Bahamian Investors undertaking projects of appropriate size and nature. The Government will continue to provide the generous subsidies for import supplies, i.e. Non-Bahamian labour and other benefits currently enjoyed by the industry. The Ministry of Agriculture would continue to provide existing farmers with carrying out land clearing and land preparations in addition to improved extension methods and teaching. These efforts will permit further expansion on crop diversification programme to other islands with the production of crops suitable for such areas.
FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT
The Fisheries Resources of the Bahamas are one of the most valuable resources of the country and over the years considerable progress has been made in the area of Fishery Development. Increased Governmental emphasis, coupled with a modernization of fishing fleet has resulted in steady increases in total production and landings. During 1986 landings were 9.6 million pounds valued at $28.0M. These figures were up tremendously when compared to the 1976 landings of 4.03 million pounds valued at $15.3M. Growth rate of the industry is expected to continue at an accelerated rate over the next five years and it is projected the. 1991 landings are forecasted to increase to approximately 13-14 million pounds or an estimated $40M at today's market place.
In 1986 the Bahamas became net exporter of fish as imports for 1986 were 2.44 million pounds valued at $4.5M whereas exports totalled 3.47 million pounds valued at $21.4M.
The Fishing Industry makes a significant contribution to the economy in terms of income and employment. During 1986 an estimated 2 500 full time and part time fishermen and vessel owners earned approximately $28.0M or. an average of $11 200. Addditionally, $24.4M in Foreign Exchange resulted from the export of crawfish scale fish and marine specimens during 1986.
Results of a recently completed shallow water fishery resources assessment survey indicate that the present annual fisheries production on the Bahama Banks can be safely increased by a significant amount without the danger of over fishing. Additionally, results of other surveys have revealed large resources of stone crabs and of deep water groupers and snappers that are virtually unexploited.
The fishing industry has the greatest growth potential of possibly any natural resource in the Bahamas and this potential will only be realized through the following:-
a) Increased harvest of traditional stocks shallow water crawfish, conch and scale fish.
b) The harvesting of under-exploited and non-traditional stocks such as deep water snappers and groupers, stone crabs and pelagic resources.
c) Improve processing, quality control and marketing.
The Department of Fisheries and the Bahamas Development Bank operate a joint Fisheries Small Loan Programme. Under this Fisheries Assistance Programme loans of up to $10 000 per applicant at an interest rate well below prime are available to a qualified fisherman and potential fishermen for purchase of small fishing vessels, engines and miscellaneous fishing gear, all of which can be imported duty free at a saving to fishermen and fish processors.
A fully developed fishing industry could generate revenue in excess of 100M and provide employment for over 10 000 Bahamians. However, with increased fishing pressure the need to effectively monitor the industry will also increase. The Ministry of Agriculture, Trade and Industry through the Department of Fisheries will take the necessary steps to ensure that the development of the fishing industry proceeds in an orderly and proper manner.
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT
Industrial Development is of considerable importance in order to:-
1) Diversify our economy
2) Create additional employment opportunities for our expanding labour force.
The Government will continue to encourage the establishment of industries of those islands which are ideally suited for such activities and where the necessary infrastructure is already in place.
The Industries Encouragement Act, was designed to be a development instrument in the Government efforts to:-
i) Encourage diversification
ii) Encourage entrepreneurship
iii) Achive some degree of self sufficiency
iv) Stimulate domestic and Foreign Investment.
In order to more fully achieve these objectives and to assist the small entrepreneur, the Industries Encouragement Act will be amended to grant degrees of concessions. It is envisaged that the proposed amendments would allow for greater flexibility.
The growth of the small manufacturer has not kept pace with that of their counterpart in the large export oriented operations. Institutional support would therefore be provided to small manufacturers to enable them to produce not only for the domestic market but to take advantage of the increased access to the markets of the U.S.A. through C.B.I. The European Community under Lome III and Canada under CARIBCAN.
The Soldier Road Industrial Park will be expanded and additional factory constructed in order to accommodate the increasing demand for factory space.
Through the combined efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture, Trade and Industry, Foreign Affairs and Tourism, initiatives have already been taken to promote the Bahamas as a safe and stable Investment Centre for Foreign Investors.
The Government recognizes that Industrial Development cannot take place without a strong private sector and will continue to effectively support, assist and encourage the private sector.
The Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation was established to:-
1. To stimulate, facilitate and encourage the development of Agriculture on the Bahamas.
2. To Expand and Create opportunities for Bahamians to participate in the Economic development of the Bahamas.
3. To assist in the Development of Commerce and Industry within the Bahamas.
In the execution of these functions BAIC has identified opportunities for Investment and has established a Foreign and Local Industrial Investment Programme.
The Corporation has developed a number of project profiles and promotional literature which outline the areas of opportunities available.
BAIC is Empowered to:
1. Participate in the formation and operation of other companies.
2. Engage in any other activity designed to the Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Development of the Bahamas.
BAIC is also a one stop shop for investors providing the following:-
1. Information for investors
2. Removal of red tape from the Investment Promotion process.
3.Guidance for.the investor from the inquiry stage, through the process of approval and implementation.
COOPERATIVE DEVELOPMENT
In order to achieve such objectives as National Food Security, Self Sufficiency and the establishment of successful commercial ventures, Co-operatives have a vital role to play. The Department of Co-operatives has experienced steady growth over the years, increasing from eleven registered societies whose activities include Agriculture, Fishing, Craft Manufacturing and Marketing, Consumer goods and Savings and Credits.
In 1977 there were 250 members in the farming co-operatives and 350 in Credit Unions. Annual turnover for the Farming co-operatives was $50 000 and the Credit Union made $35 000 in loans. Today there are 10 Agricultural Co-operatives and 12 Credit Unions. Membership in the non—financial Cooperatives is 1 214 and among the Credit Unions over 7 000. Annual turnover among the non-financial Co-operatives and Credit Unions is $900 000 with a total saving of $10M and they are expected to extend over $2M in loans to their members this year.
Credit Unions have had a positive influence by meeting the consumer and developmental needs of their members. They have successfully provided thousands of Bahamians of limited means with a opportunity to build up financial independence and receive credit with a minimum of red tape.
In the Family Islands, the North Cat Island and the Mayaguana Co-operative Societies have demonstrated the positive impact this type of organization can have on the Social and Economic Development of an entire community.
In Cat Island, where the local resource cascarilla is grown in abundance, the North Cat Island Co-operative has initiated a programme to export the bark to Europe for use in drinks such as Campari and perfumes. This activity has been expanded to several other Family Islands and now supports approximately 125 families. This particular Cooperative has also been able to purchase and operate a Mail Boat which provides weekly service to the area and has recently installed freezing facilities which is expected to provide a much needed service to fishermen.
The Mayaguana Co-operative Society, operates a 40 acre community farm, growing peas, corn, peanuts and potatoes. In addition, they own and operate a bulk fuel facility which supplies the residents with fuel.
CONCLUSION
In order to effectively achieve overall development in the agriculture sector and improve linkages between the other sectors, it is critical that, the present system of data collection, storage, analysis and retrival be improved. An Information Unit within the Ministry is presently being established for the purpose of collecting, compiling, analysis and disseminating all relevant agricultural information on a regular basis to assist in the decision making process.
The Ministry will seek FAO's assistance in providing the technical assistance in establishing and upgrading the unit, which should be fully functional by the 1990 Census of Agriculture.
Training itself is an on-going process and as previously noted, FAO has provided an invaluable service in this area. However, with the expansion and development of the Extension Division, additional training and Extension work-shops both regionally and locally will be required.
FAO assistance in establishing a local training unit will be sought for the purpose of improving and upgrading the present extension service which is vital to the growth and development of agriculture and the ultimate survival of the small farmers In the Bahamas.
There is presently under active consideration a request for ' Technical Cooperation to assist with the establishment of a computerized data management programme for the Department of Fisheries. Such a programme will result in the rapid production of data on the fishing industry and will free some Department's staff to enable them to pursue other work aspects such as improved data collection.
In terms of another major project The Bahamas will benefit greatly from a project that will complete the shallow water resource assessment surveys as only a portion of the Great Bahama Bank was surveyed. Additionally assistance in developing an improved management and enforcement capability for the industry becomes more pressing as the industry continues to develop at a rapid pace. This type of assistance will be requested from FAO in the future 1/.
_________________
1/ Statement inserted in the verbatim records on request.
Elhadji, HABIBOU ALLELE (Niger): C'est avec un réel plaisir et un intérêt particulier que la délégation que je conduis prend part à la 24ème session de la Conférence générale de notre Organisation: la FAO.
Monsieur le Président,
Je voudrais tout d'abord m'acquitter d'un agréable devoir, celui de vous féliciter pour la confiance placée en vous par l'ensemble des délégations, en vous portant à la présidence de notre Conférence. Nous demeurons persuadés que votre sagesse, votre expérience et votre efficacité rehausseront la qualité des débats.
Il me revient également, Monsieur le président, de féliciter Monsieur Edouard Saouma auquel la présente conférence vient de renouveler sa confiance.
Mais, Monsieur le Président, depuis quelques années le monde s'installe et semble s'enliser dans une grande crise économique internationale.
Il est important de rappeler quelques faits chiffrés qui caractérisent mieux l'évolution économique mondiale actuelle.
Certains organismes internationaux spécialisés nous apprennent que les pays développés représentant un tiers de la population mondiale détiennent 60 pour cent des ressources alimentaires. D'après la Banque mondiale, 780 millions d'êtres humains vivent dans un état de pauvreté absolue et 50 pour cent de la population du globe ne disposent que de 20 pour cent des ressources de la terre.
Monsieur le Président,
Mesdames et Messieurs,
Mon pays, le Niger, pays en développement totalement enclavé dans l'Ouest africain ressent davantage les méfaits de la sécheresse, de la désertification et de la crise économique internationale. L'agriculture, secteur dominant de notre économie s'est gravement détériorée au cours des précédentes décennies, se traduisant par une baisse de la production et de la productivité qui préva-laient vers la fin des années 60.
Il. faut aussi souligner que les phénomènes combinés de sécheresse et de désertification auxquels s'ajoutent les ennemis des cultures ont créé des circonstances aggravantes. Des régions entières de mon pays autrefois hautement productives sont aujourd'hui totalement stériles.
Il me plaît cependant, Monsieur le Président, de révéler les énormes potentialités dont dispose mon pays: 15 000 000 d'ha de terres dunaires, 270 000 ha de terres irrigables, 1 400 000 ha de terrains boisés, un capital cheptel constitué de 14 millions d'UBT et des ressources en eaux souterraines\ estimées à 36 millions de m3.
Mais toutes ces potentialités demeurent jusqu'ici insuffisamment mises en valeur malgré la disponibilité exemplaire de nos populations mobilisées.
C'est pourquoi au-delà de nos efforts propres nous comptons sur la coopération internationale pour mettre en valeur toutes ces potentialités.
Monsieur le Président,
Mesdames et Messieurs,
La présente Conférence générale de la FAO m'offre donc l'occasion de vous faire partager les soucis majeurs de nos paysans et pasteurs au sortir de la récente campagne agro-pastorale et de vous livrer les politiques et stratégies de développement rural à moyen et long terme adoptées par mon gouvernement.
La campagne agro-pastorale 1987 nous rappelle en tout point celle combien angoissante et catastrophique que nous avons vécue en 1984. Comme vous le savez déjà, la campagne 1987 s'est caractérisée par un déficit pluviométrique très important, de violents vents de sable, des attaques des maladies et d'insectes.
Pour prévenir les attaques des ravageurs des cultures, nous avons organisé d'un côté les brigades villageoises d'intervention phytosanitaire et, de l'autre, mis en place un réseau d'alerte précoce et de surveillance. Enfin, nous envisageons la création dans le département d'Agadez d'un centre de lutte contre le criquet pèlerin.
En ce qui concerne la situation pastorale, le couvert végétal a été très hétérogène,suite aux faibles pluies enregistrées au cours de la campagne 87, mais la situation sanitaire du cheptel est globalement satisfaisante.
La mauvaise campagne agro-pastorale de 1987 a renforcé notre détermination à lutter par tous les moyens contre la famine et la sécheresse. Dans l'avenir nos efforts seront concentrés sur l'Organisation de la campagne des cultures de contre-saison qui porte sur l'exploitation de certains plans d'eau.
A propos de la pratique des cultures de contre-saison,le Chef do l'Etat du Niger, feu le général de Division SEYNI KOUNTCHE qui a été l'hôte du 86ème Conseil exécutif de la FAO, disait, suite à la sécheresse de 1984, je cite:
"L'année 1984 nous avait donc trouvés préparés, mobilisés et déterminés à affronter dans la dignité et l'honneur les instants difficiles qu'elle nous réserve. Dieu merci, nous avons réussi, au-delà de toute espérance, à préserver ainsi notre société d'une irrémédiable désolation. Nous avons réussi à épargner à certains de nos compatriotes l'humiliation des camps d'éprouvés, voire une vaine errance ou un exode sans espoir de retour. Nous avons réussi à épargner notre peuple des affres de la famine et nous avons forcé l'admiration des hommes de bonne volonté des nations généreuses et des Organisations Internationales". Fin de citation.
Conscients de toutes ces contraintes liées à notre développement rural, nous .nous sommes attelés à définir un nouveau plan quinquennal de développement économique et social 1987-1991 avec la participation effective de toutes les couches socio-professionnelles de notre pays. Cette démarche associant la consultation et la concertation nous a permis de répondre à deux questions fondamen- tales.
- Quelles stratégies de développement devons-nous mettre en oeuvre pour faire face aux effets d'une sécheresse plus que permanente?
- Quelle exploitation rationnelle pourrons-nous faire de nos immenses ressources naturelles tout en préservant ou en rétablissant l'équilibre de notre écosystème, fragile et instable?
Ce plan quinquennal de développement économique et social 1987-1991 dont le programme de financement a fait l'objet d'un débat fructueux et instructif à l'occasion de la Table ronde des Bailleurs de Fonds du Niger organisé en juin-juillet 1987 à Genève répond à ces questions. Avant de retracer les grands axes de ce plan, je m'en voudrais de ne pas exprimer ici les sentiments sincères de gratitude du peuple et du Gouvernement du Niger à L'endroit de tous les partenaires qui ont pris part à cette rencontre. Ce plan a dégagé en matière de développement rural quatre grandes orientations qui sont :
1) La préservation et la restauration de la base productive agro-syIvo-pastorale;
2) La poursuite de la recherche de l’autosuffisance alimentaire;
3) L'accroissement des revenus des producteurs;
4) La participation et la responsabilisation des populations.
Ainsi le développement rural se définit comme l'amélioration du niveau de vie des populations rurales et la possibilité pour elles d'entretenir ce développement par ses propres moyens. En matière de production végétale,l’accent sera mis sur la diversification des cultures tout en poursuivant les actions de vulgarisation de l'engrais, d'utilisation de semences sélectionnées et de protection des cultures.
La politique d'aménagements hydro-agricoles sera poursuivie et renforcée par les actions des programmes de petite irrigation et des cultures de contre-saison.
La production animale quant à elle mettra l'accent sur l'exploitation rationnelle du cheptel. Il s'agira en particulier d'assurer l'équilibre entre le cheptel, l'eau et les ressources fourragères disponibles, tout en entretenant une bonne couverture sanitaire.
La protection de l'environnement sera prise en compte dans le cadre des actions agricoles et pastorales et à travers des opérations spécifiques de luttes antiérosives, de récupération des terres et de reboisement.
Tout en n'étant pas un pays de grande peche, mon pays envisage de poursuivre le développement de cette activité sur le fleuve Niger, le Komadougou Yobé et sur certains plans d'eau.
Enfin, toutes ces actions seront soutenues par une politique rationnelle d'hydraulique, de sensibilisation et de formation des populations,de même que par une politique active de recherche agricole.
Monsieur le Président,
Mesdames et Messieurs,
En souhaitant plein succès à notre Conférence, permettez-moi de dire combien au Niger nous apprécions la coopération internationale. Nous sommes convaincus que c'est par les efforts conjugués de nos gouvernements et de la Communauté internationale qu'il sera possible de combattre efficacement la FAIM, la MALNUTRITION et la PAUVRETE dans le monde.
Je vous remercie 1/.
The meeting rose at 18.00 hours
La séance est levée à 18 heures
Se levanta la sesión a las 18.00 horas
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1/ Texte recu avec demande d'insertion au procès-verbal.
