developing countries in the early l98os depressed denand for the maJofagrlcultural exports of the least developed countrieE, upon ehich they dependfor a najor part of their foreign exchange earnings, and further conplicatedlheir efforts to use agriculture as a neans of lrnprouing their overall economic perfornance. I7. SuPport neasures to help offset the ghorualls in export earnings arl91n9 from decllning primary connbdity prices were noted nith 6atisfactlon. lfoltever, nany countries felt tha! the insufficient aeailability of suchsupport, coupled eith delays in bringing inlo operacion lhe coluFo Fund for Conmoditles and the limlted nunber of functioning coftnodity agfeenents, contributed to the difficulties of the least developed countries ln overconing the adverse conseguences on their agricultural productlon. B. Eunan resourceg and social develoPmen! 18. On the isgues of hunan resources and sociaL developmen! in least developed countries there was general agreement lhat the recomroendations ofthe Substantlal New programne of Action in Ehis area renain valid. The development of hunan resources is an essential prereguisite for the developDent of the least aleveloped countries, and therefofe lemains apriority. The scarcity of skilt-ed nanponer, parf,icularly in an adninielrallve and managerial capacity, hinders the developnent process in the least developed countries.' 19. The progress acbieved by soroe least developed countries in several areas,particularly declining infant nortality rates and increased literacy ratea, were ooted wlth satisfaction, while concern nas expressed at the conEinuedlarge discrepancy betrdeen nale and female liceracy rates. Eol,ever, it tas noeed wiCh concern that several other i[dicators reveal a declining trend in education, health and nutrition status of ehe population of the leasl developed countries as a whole.A/ 40 /989 / Ad.l.l0 Eng Iish Page 14 20. The scarcity of means available to accelerate the deve!.oPment of hur0an resources in least developed countrles and efforts to overcome fhem ttere discussed. The need to constder publlc expenditure on education ana health as investment from the point of vietr of the econony as a nhole was stressed' 2l- . Ttre reorientation of the education systern in aone least develoPed
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the challenges faced by least developed countries in their economic development, with a focus on agriculture, human resources, and education. The text highlights the impact of declining commodity prices on their foreign exchange earnings and the importance of developing human resources to overcome these challenges.

**Category**
Economic development, Education, Health