agricultural, forestry andruraldevelopment, inparticular, byorganizing seminars andsymposia. SUBPROGRAMME 3.MARINS AFFAIRS (a)Objectives 30.34 Thelegislative authority forthesubprogramme derives fromGeneral Assembly resolution 37/66andEconomic Commission forAfricaresolution 478(XVIII). 30.35Although theAfrican seasareknowntoberichinbothlivingandnon-living resources, mostoftheAfrican Stateslackadequate capabilities foreffective development andutilization ofthoseresources. Theprincipal problem encountered isthelackofappropriate policies andofrelated capability toenhance productivity andtoadoptnewtechnologies intheexploitation ofsearesources. 30.36Inspiteoftheirnutritional importance andlowprices, fisheries resources areinadequately exploited. Thatsituation isaccompanied byalackofparallel development inrelated sectors, notably, intheareasofresearch, training and stockassessment, aswellasbytheabsence ofindustries fortheexploitation of livingresources atthenational orregional levels, andinadequate jointventures oragreements withforeign companies andGovernments intheexploitation ofboth living andnon-living resources. 30.37 Theobjectives ofthesubprogramme are: (a)Topromote thedevelopment ofAfrican capabilitites forexploration, exploitation andmanagement ofthelivingandnon-living resources ofthesea; (b)Todevelop improved systems fortheexpansion offisheries andformulate coherent policies withaviewtoincreasing thefoodandprotein supplies ofthe region's popUlation. (b)CourseofactionofthgSecretariat 30.38Assistance tomembercountries andintergovernmental organizations willbe provided instrengthening capabilities fortheformulation ofcoherent policies and activities undertheUnitedNations Convention ontheLawoftheSeaandin improvement ofscientific andtechnological research through assessment of available resources inexclusive economic zonesandstock-taking ofvarious fish species, including fresh-water fish,introduction ofadvance technologies adapted tofishing, anddevelopment ofadatabase withaviewtoenhancing thetechnical andscientific knowledqe ofmemberStates onmatters ofinterest pertaining to 1i~ing andnon-living searesources. 30.39 TheSecretariat willalsoorganize training formemberStatesinlivingand non-living marineresources development andmanagement atdifferent managerial levels, andprovide assistance toStatesintheformulation ofinvestment projects withparticular reference tosuchareasasrehabilitation ofexisting fishing -11- Digitized by Dag Hammarskjöld Library&007Trmm:r fleets ~ndfishprocessing, thepromotion ofjointinvestment policies and programmes intheexploitation ofresources commonly ownedorshared bydifferent countries, andstrengthening marketing capabilities ofthecountries oftheregion inprocessing theirmarineresources. TheSecretariat willalsocontinue to maintain anddevelop theinformation dataondifferent aspects oftheactivities in thatsectoroftheAfrican economy anddisseminate information onselected issues toallinterested parties, asandwhenrequired. SUBPROGRAMME 4.LEASTDEVELOPED, LAND-LOCKED ANDISLAND COUNTRIES (a)Objectives 30.40 Thelegislative authority forthesubprogramme derives fromvarious General Assembly, Economic andSocialCouncil andEconomic Commission forAfrica resolutions, themostrecentandpertinent ofwhichareAssembly resolutions 8-11/4, 39/29,39/174, 42/174, 42/177, 42/186 and44/220; Council resolution 1989/89; andCommission resolution 667(XXIV). 30.41 Theleastdeveloped, land-locked, andislandcountries inAfricaare generally characterized byverylowpercapita income, withthemajority Ofthe population livingatbelowtheminimum basicneedsstandards. Theeconomic situation ofmostofthosecountries ischaracterized byextremely lowagricultural productivity andweakagro-support institutions, underexploited natural resources, especially minerals andenergy, lowpercapitaexportlevels, acutescarcity of skilled personnel atalllevels, andweakinstitutional andphysical
**Analysis**
The text discusses the development of African countries, focusing on the exploitation and management of natural resources, particularly in the fields of marine affairs, forestry, and fishing. It also touches on the challenges faced by least developed, land-locked, and island countries in Africa. The text highlights the need for improved policies, research, training, and technological development to enhance the capabilities of these countries.

**Category**
Economic development, Natural resources and environment, Agriculture, forestry and fishing