per cent in 1980 (see table IV.A.3). This growth record, al­ thcugh above the inadequate a·veraqe rate for the 1970s, was still below the population growth rate of about 3 oer cent. Growth performance per head has been well-niqh calamitous, averaqinq -1.0 per cent in 1979-1980, -0.4 per cent in 1980-1981 and -1.2 per cent a year durinq 1970-1980. · 7. Fer developing Africa as a whole, cereal producticn qrew by a mere 1.3 per cent in 1981, compared to 3.5 per cent in the previous year. Growth in non-cereal focd production was rather mixed. \lhile roots and tubers recorded some deterioration, there was an improver.1ent in livestock products, vegetable oil and pul­ ses {see table IV.A.3). In sub-Saharan Africa pulses, roots and tubers account for 27 per cent of agricultural output, by com­ parison cereals represent o~~y 17 per cent of production. The wide disparities in performance between subreqicns are even more disturbing {see table IV.A.3). (~) Uorth Africa 8. In .North Africa cereal production declined by 10.6 per cent in 1981. Norccco \las particularly severely affected by drouqht, with output of beth wheat and coarse qrain fallinq by half. In Egypt, declining food production at a time of rising demand dic­ ta ted increased relia nee on imports. I h 1981, Egypt found it necessary to import 69 per cent of its 1;1heat requirements, 68 per cent of its vegetable oil, 47 per cent of its suqar and 94 per cent of its lentils. In all five major food crops as well as in the major export crop, cotton, rises in production costs exceeded rises in producer prices by considerable margins bet\oleen 1977 and 1981. Thus wheat, the main staple crop, emerged as the least profitable to produce, while cotton, the area under 'VIhich is prcqressively being reduced in favour of food crcps, is still the 
**Analysis**
The text discusses economic growth, agricultural production, and trade in Africa, which suggests that it is related to the economic development of the continent. Additionally, it highlights the challenges faced by African countries in terms of food production, imports, and trade, which is a key aspect of economic development.

**Category**
Agriculture, forestry and fishing, Economic development