FAO, -
(1970)
World Agriculture: The last quarter century.
FAO,UN, Rome, Italy.
ISBN 0119403110
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Abstract
The basic objective of the Second Development Decade, Which begins in January 1971, is a considerable acceleration of economic development in the less prosperous countries of the World. It aims at a minimum annual rate of growth of 6 percent in the gross domestic product of the developing countries as a whole over the decade, equivalent to about 3.5 percent per inhabitant. One of the crucial areas of economic development in the agricultural sector, and it is clear that in many countries this sector constituted one of the principal encumbrances to progress during the period of the First Development Decade from 1960-1970. However, there is reason to hope that the performance of agriculture in the developing countries over the next decade will be a good deal more successful. It seems fairly sure that during the next decade good progress can be made in overcoming the quantitative calorie deficiencies in diets that have been one of the worst blots on the postwar record. But as one generation of problem is overcome it either breeds another or at least makes it possible to concentrate on those that previosly had to take a lower priority. Even if the worst calorie, deficiencies can be met, progress is bound to be much slower with the protein dificiencies that so gravely affect the physical and possibly even the mental development of young childern. While it will, it seems, be a little easier than in the recent past to keep up with the food needs of a rapidly growing population, it is going to be more difficult than ever before to keep up with its needs for productive employment. Inequalities in rural areas seem likely to widen. And unrest caused by problems of employment and income distribution could easily react back on, and place in jeopardy, the possibilities for improving food production. The Second Development Decade can therefore do little more than lay the foundations for the eventual solution of many of the problems that at present beset mankind. It may well prove, however, the last chance for these foundation to be laid. It is essential to use the breathing space granted by the high-yielding varieties and related agricultural improvements to plan the necessary measures for better balanced diets in the developing countries, to introduce really effective family planning programmes before it is too late, and to take the social and other measures needed to secure a more equitable distribution of employment and income-earning opportunities.
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