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Africa

Taking the African continent as a whole, it is satisfying to note that agricultural production has considerably increased. However, in non self-governing territories further agricultural development could be effected despite, in some territories, the exodus from the land of a considerable proportion of the indigenous populations.

The problems which arise in African territories are essentially related to (a) transport, (b) improving means of production in order to increase the value of human effort, and (c) research in matters of soil and local climate. But, in a large measure, future increases in production will depend upon improving the education of the indigenous agricultural population whose traditional methods are susceptible of considerable improvement.

The rapid development of certain African territories in recent years has produced a considerable increase in the consumption of foodstuffs-to such a degree that these territories, which were exporting areas before the last world war, are no longer self-sufficient despite increasing production. Such a situation points to the desirability of developing intra-African trade.

If diets are to be improved, however, special attention must be given to the production of animal proteins. Hence, it is essential that the livestock industry (both cattle and small stock) should be developed to a maximum.

The development of hydrobiological studies will serve as a basis for general intensive fish cultivation in African waters.

It should be noted that quantitative and qualitative improvement in the diet of the population is often restricted because of the high cost of some foodstuff.

Specific Needs of African Territories and Development Plans

There are considerable possibilities of trade expansion, especially in the field of foodstuffs Of both animal and vegetable origin on the African continent. It is a recognized fact that certain exportable local surpluses could be exchanged more easily and under better conditions between various regions of Africa. At the same time, in order to avoid local shortages, it would be desirable to concentrate on building up stockpiles of foodstuffs in certain regions.

In the past, production of vegetable oil has expanded considerably in certain African territories. Difficulties in exporting the product may arise. It would be advisable to study the possibilities of exchange between African territories of these products rich in nutritive elements.

It is obvious, however, that inadequate means of communication greatly hamper the development of intra-African exchanges.

Comprehensive plans of development for the African territories are being drawn up by the governments concerned in the national field, e.g. Belgium - ten-year plan; France - Monnet plan; Portugal and the United Kingdom - development plans prepared by local governments and by the United Kingdom Government. Long-term plans have also been drawn up by the Organization for European Economic Co operation, and numerous exchanges of views have already taken place between interested governments. It is obvious that the development of agricultural production must take place within the limits of possibilities which nature itself affords, i.e. as far as ecological environment will permit, taking into account the variation of soils and climate as well as the permanent possibilities of production and soil fertility. Opportunities for regional specialization in production are limited, however, not only by ecological conditions, but also by economic aspects of the problem. Even if certain, regions of Africa are found to lend themselves to the development of a specific crop, production could not be stimulated unless the world's economic conditions were to countenance such a development. Plans for the development of the African continent must, therefore, take these considerations into account.

The Conference

- Realizing the importance of long-term plans for the development of African colonies which have been prepared by the countries concerned,

Nutrition and Food Conservation

Scientific research in the field of nutrition, more especially studies as regards the nutritive value of wild plants and native foods, are being undertaken by various organizations on the African continent. It is of the highest importance that the results of this research be better known and disseminated for the benefit of the African countries.

Nutrition committees have already been established in certain African territories. They have assisted in drawing up programs for the improvement of standards of nutrition, and have made available their competent advice and suggestions. It is desirable that such committees should be established in localities where the assistance of existing committees is not available.

It has been noted elsewhere that education plays a primary part in the evolution of diets. The importance of programs for the distribution of food in schools cannot be overestimated. Already in certain countries of Africa such programs have been undertaken; they should be encouraged and developed.

The stocking up of foodstuffs has particular importance in subtropical Africa. Problems of stocking and preservation of food in these regions are specific and deserve particular study. National plans provide for construction of warehouses for storing foodstuffs in native centers. Information on the progress attained in this field should be made available.

The Conference

Means of Production

In Africa, an attack on agricultural problems involves a sound knowledge of the polls and of the use of adequate means of production and implements. However, inadequate agricultural education is the factor which most greatly limits the possibilities of efficient development.

The problems of providing suitable cheap fertilizers and agricultural machinery are exceedingly difficult. They should be thoroughly analyzed in the light of different African local conditions, more particularly those of tropical Africa. The adoption of standards that have been recognized as suitable for more advanced areas or in different climates is not sufficient.

Those questions are of such importance that they should be given priority among matters to be looked into by FAO; they necessitate an even greater co-ordination than hitherto in governmental plans. Insofar as agricultural implements are concerned, it would be desirable to establish contacts with manufacturers, in order to induce them to produce (both for the farm and the forest) types of machines that research and field experience show to be suitable to conditions in Africa.

Campaign Against Epidemics

In vast areas tsetse fly and rinderpest make stock-farming practically impossible. Numerous international conferences dealing with the problems involved have been held on the African continent and it is unanimously recognized that such major problems require governmental action.

Two international organizations are actively engaged in eradicating the grasshopper, pest in breeding areas, one north of the Equator and the other in Northern Rhodesia. An international organization with campaign headquarters at Brazzaville-Leopoldville, is also engaged in the fight against tsetse fly. FAO itself has coordinated its activities with those of local African governments in the fight against rinderpest by organizing a conference of experts at Nairobi. (FAO Nairobi Rinderpest Meeting, 28 October to 1 November 1948.)

It is highly desirable that all these activities should be maintained and developed.

Soils

Soil studies and soil conservation are of vital importance to all the African countries, and soil charts are being prepared in different areas. However, it is important that such charts should be established on a comparable basis. An international agreement) exists concerning the establishment of a map showing the area which is infested by tsetse fly. It would be desirable to have such an agreement in connection with the establishment of soil charts. Soil charts based on photographic surveys would also be useful. These objectives could be attained through international co-operation.

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Livestock;

In view of the necessity of bettering food standards amongst the indigenous population, it is important that the utmost attention be given to the problem of improving African breeds of livestock by making use of imported or selected native breeds. A study of the native and imported breeds best adapted to the surroundings would be useful.

Forests

Forests are important in Africa, both as natural resources and as a means of exercising an influence over the natural environment. Efforts must be made to obtain a more exact appreciation of the importance and value of these resources. The Conference is appreciative of the fact that FAO has given full attention to the problem: in both 1947 and 1948 the Organization has published an inventory of forest resources; and it has also made contacts with forestry centers in Africa itself.

List of Technicians

Annual Reports of Governments to FAO

In connection with governments annual reports it has been noted that in most cases information provided to FAO on colonies or territories of a parent state is merged with information concerning the mother country, Therefore,

Latin America

The Conference has reviewed the Latin-American sections of The State of Food and Agriculture-1948 and National Progress in Food and Agriculture Programs-1948. The Conference has found that although Latin America as a whole is developing its agriculture and improving the food supply of its population, the problems of the region, which have been described before in reports to FAO, still demand attention. Great efforts on the part of governments and FAO are needed toward their solution. The population as a whole is still inadequately fed and the diet is deficient in important nutritional elements Agricultural production is still low in relation to the potential volume which could be produced by the land, the manpower, and other available resources for production. There is great need for technical assistance in the solution of agricultural production, storage, transport, marketing, and consumption. The region needs closer and more continuous attention from FAO.

As a necessary concomitant to the expansion of agricultural production, Latin America demands corresponding industrial development to provide economically in each area the essential elements of a better level of living. The Conference considers it to be of primary importance as a short-range goal that the immediate expansion of Latin-American agricultural production should be directed towards satisfying the needs of the inhabitants of the region itself in order to raise levels of living and productive capacity. The Conference recognizes that, along with pro. auction for local needs, the countries of the region must also produce commodities for export in order to purchase essential consumer goods which are not available from Latin-American sources; and it also recognizes that the region represents an important potential source of foodstuffs and other agricultural products which can favorably be produced in the region and are badly needed by other parts of the world. But the Conference feels that Latin America should be helped to produce these goods by the assurance of prices which will provide an adequate level of living for the Latin-American producer, and by the availability of the necessary technical assistance and the necessary means of production, i.e. machinery and supplies, seed, and, fertilizer, in order to increase yields and reduce, costs of production.

The Conference recalls that at previous sessions, and also at regional conferences dealing with agriculture and food. many general recommendations have been made to governments for the improvement of agricultural production, nutrition, and levels of living. The Conference reiterates its support of such recommendations and recommends that governments bear them constantly in mind when planning for agricultural production and the distribution and consumption of foodstuffs and other agricultural products. However, the Conference feels it can best serve the member governments of FAO at this time by calling attention to certain practical lines of action which governments can under-take immediately to improve the food situation in Latin America and in the world as a whole. In selecting these lines of action for emphasis, the Conference wishes to draw the attention of governments particularly to courses of action in which international co-operation would be of value. The Conference by no means wishes to imply by this selection that other courses of action are less important or that, in general, the implementation of broad, long-term programs for agriculture and food improvement should be neglected.

Seed

Livestock

The Conference finds in Latin America an increasing concern for improving livestock strains and increasing livestock numbers. In order to promote this trend,

Fruit

It is apparent that Latin America can make a great contribution to the food supply of other parts of the world. Besides its contributions in staple products, Latin America can also contribute a number of specialty products. In the field of fruit production,

Fats and Oils

The consumption of fats and oils in Latin America is dangerously low from a nutritional standpoint. Therefore,

In this connection, the Conference calls attention to the forthcoming report of FAO's Oilseeds Mission to Venezuela.

Hard Fibers

In view of the expanded production of hard fibers in Latin America,

Increasing Cultivable Areas

The Conference notes the existence in many parts of the region of problems to do with uneconomical production on excessively small holdings and nonutilization of large fertile areas that; should come under cultivation. With a view to their solution, it commends the resettlement programs which many governments have initiated.

Fertilizers

The Conference finds that fertilizers are little used in Latin America, despite the need of many of the soils for these materials. With chemical fertilizers in short supply throughout the world,

The attention of governments is drawn to FAO's recommendations on soil management practices which, if properly carried out, can compensate producers for the general world shortage of fertilizers.

Forestry and Forest Products

The Conference wishes to emphasize the importance of creating forest services in Latin America and training personnel, especially large numbers of practical forest workers, such as , forest wardens. This is jai phase of forest service development that governments can begin immediately within their countries, offering to each other the facilities now available or to be created in the near future for training such workers.

To increase the output of forest products,

With regard to the recommendation of the Teresopolis Conference that a forestry research center be created for the benefit of the Latin American countries,

Fisheries

The Conference finds that the development of fisheries in Latin America is by no means commensurate-with the need for fisheries products in the diet of the population, and urges governments to promote fish as an element in the diet of their populations, thus increasing consumption and facilitating the development of fisheries industries.

An important reason for the relatively undeveloped fisheries of Latin America is the lack of adequate investment funds for capitalizing fisheries industries. International lending agencies in the field of economic development should give high priority to suitable projects for the development of fisheries.

Soil Resources

Latin America as a whole suffers from rapid depletion of its soil resources through erosion brought about by such malpractices as uncontrolled forest clearing and burning to prepare land for planting. The Conference calls the attention of governments to the resolutions of the Inter-American Conference for the Conservation of Renewable Resources, held at Denver, Colorado, in September 1948, and of the Teresopolis Conference on Forestry and Forest Products The need is stressed for maintaining a continuous effort to educate agricultural producers and the public in general concerning the importance of conserving soil, water, and forest resources. In particular,

In planning agricultural resettlement and development programs, governments are urged to take account of the danger to which soil, water, and forest resources of the areas concerned may be exposed in such schemes, if adequate protective measures are not taken in time. This is of particular importance with regard to the clearing of tropical forest areas to provide cultivable land, since there exists greet danger that the exposure of such soils to cropping conditions may bring on rapid or irrevocable loss of their fertility.

Infestation

The Conference finds that in Latin America fur, e losses of standing crops and stored foodstuffs are caused annually by insect pests, fungus infestation, and plant disease. It is also clear that diseases of animals transmissible to human beings, as well as diseases like malaria and brucellosis, sap the strength of agricultural producers and render inefficient or impossible agriculture production in large areas of Latin America. These are matters which call for cooperation among governments, and between governments and the World Health Organization and the Pan-American Sanitary Bureau. In such co-operation one of the greatest needs is for continuity of effort.

Marketing

The Conference finds that difficulties of communications and transport within Latin America are a major obstacle to the flow of agricultural produce from the producer to the consumer.

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Nutrition

The Conference finds that raising food consumption levels and improving nutrition in Latin America depend to a large degree on a general increase in the purchasing power of the poorer sections of the population. Consumption can be directly influenced, however, by developments in the field of nutrition, and such developments can in turn influence production through increasing the demand for food, in particular for foods of high nutritive value.

The Nutrition Conference which met at Montevideo, Uruguay, in July 1948, described numerous methods of approach to the problem of improving nutrition in Latin America. The ret port of this conference should serve as a guide to countries in the region with respect to nutritional policy. The Fourth Session of the FAO Conference wishes, however, to draw special attention to certain points raised in that report.

The Conference finds that although Latin America is considered as a region, there are important points of diversity within it. This diversity derives from differences in climate and topography or from differences in the ethnologic foundation of the population, and is reflected in a diversity of food habits.

Government Services

The Conference finds that, in general, government services aiding in agricultural production and in the distribution and consumption of foodstuffs and other agricultural products, are insufficiently developed to provide an adequate mechanism for the expansion and improvement needed in these fields. Therefore,

In this connection, the Conference recognizes that a very large proportion of the agricultural producers in Latin America cannot effectively be taught improved practices by means of the printed word. It therefore wishes to emphasize the importance of strengthening and greatly expanding existing agricultural extension services.

Plans and Programs

Since adequate knowledge of conditions throughout the region and elsewhere, with regard to production, trade, and consumption trends, is necessary to the effective formulation of programs.

- Recommends that member governments report fully to and consult with FAO in order to secure essential co-ordination.

The International Emergency Food Committee has received the attention of the Conference. Its work during the past year and its further tasks have been fully discussed. In this connection, the Conference has reviewed the report prepared by the IEFC and the recommendations transmitted to the Conference by the Council of FAO.

The Conference considers that the work done in the last year has been extremely useful to member governments. The Conference notes with satisfaction that the arrangements made after the Third Session of the Conference for incorporating IEFC into the framework of FAO have been carried out in a way that enables the Committee to continue functioning smoothly and effectively. It also notes that the machinery provides for an adequate flexibility. The Commodity Committees for Beans and Peas, Heat and Meat Products, and Seeds were wound up in the course of 1948, and the Committee on Protein Feeds will be discontinued as from January 1949. The allocation system for some -other commodities, notably cereals and fats and oils, will be made more flexible. Consequently, the following commodities will probably remain on the reserved list as of 1 January: cereals, fats and oils, rice, cocoa beans, and nitrogenous fertilizers.

While there is general agreement that allocation of foodstuffs and fertilizers should be discontinued as soon as possible and that the Commodity Committees should be disbanded as soon as they serve no useful purpose, there is also a consensus that the time has not yet come to dissolve IEFC. The exceptional harvest of cereals in 1948 in North America and Europe is due mainly to favorable weather conditions; and not until the spring of 1949 can there be any fore cast of harvests in that year.

The Conference is generally agreed upon the principle that the Commodity Committees themselves are the most competent bodies to consider their discontinuance; experience has shown that these Committees will make a proposal to that end as soon as it is feasible to do so.

In the light of these discussions,

The Conference also notes with satisfaction the Report on Nitrogenous Fertilizers transmitted by the Council of FAO.

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