cases they have become even more alarming. The severe sacrifices made by the African Governments within the framework of structural adjustment programmes have not been adequately rewarded, because in the majority of cases these programmes have not achieved the envisaged objectives. Indeed, with their principal objective of restoring short-term financial balance, those programmes have completely overshadowed the development and transformation acr/jg A/S-18/PV. 6 87 (Mr. Bizimungu, Rwanda) objectives, such as food self-sufficiency, a reduction of poverty, sustained growth and collective autonomy. They have also neglected the human factor and the social dimension of development. In order to offset this imbalance, the Organization of African Unity last year adopted the African Alternative Framework to Structural Adjustment Programmes for Socio-Economic Recovery and Transformation -known by its acronym, ~RPAS. This framework provides us with an instrument for a constructive dialogue with Africa's development partners and should help in the preparation of national programmes capable of providing for self-sustaining and equitable development. The international community as well as the multilateral financing and development institutions are urged to give their support to CARPAS, particularly in the form of heightened flows of resources. The special situation of the least developed countries, including Rwanda, continues to be a source of grave concern to the international community by virtue of the continuing deterioration of their socio-economic situation, characterized by very low economic growth and by very inadequate progress in terms of development, resulting in a persistent decline in per capita income. So far as my country, Rwanda, is concerned, things are hardly better than anywhere else. M¥ country is at present in a very precarious situation so far as food supply is concerned. Short-term factors such as local droughts or torrential rains have ravaged the soil, and these factors, together with hail and new plant 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the economic and social challenges faced by African countries, particularly Rwanda, and the need for alternative approaches to structural adjustment programs. The language used is formal and official, suggesting that the text is an excerpt from a speech or a report. The discussion of food self-sufficiency, poverty reduction, and sustainable growth suggests that the text is concerned with economic development and human well-being.

**Category**
Economic development, Humanitarian aid and relief