would commence operations in July 1985. That facility would offer assistance over and above that available from the International Development Association to Governments that were prepared to undertake policy reforms and concentrate on improving productive capacity, structural adjustments and recovery operations. He hoped that the facility would prove to be a step towards the solution of the economic and social crisis currently facing Africa. 255. The observer for the United Nations University acknowledged the urgent and necessary work being done by ECA on Africa's current problems. However, problems of the future had also to be addressed and he expressed the University's readiness to participate in finding appropriate solutions. 256. The representative of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) gave an account of the Fund's activities in Africa since its inception in 1977 and highlighted the unique nature of its operations which included emphasis on small farmers and the landless in rural areas, on small crop production, fisheries and livestock projects and on delivery and distribution networks for small farmers. IFAD was involved in long-term activities to improve nutrition and alleviate poverty rather than on relief or emergency operations. - 63 - 257. in conclusion, he said that IFAD was facing a financial crisis due to conflict between the OECD and OPEC groups, the major contributors to the Fund, He feared that it might affect IFAD's assistance to Africa and called on the Conference to adopt a resolution urging the major donors to continue to support IFAD, 258. The representative of UNCTAD stated that in Africa, the effect of the grave deterioration in the world economic environment had been parti­ cularly severe because of the extreme vulnerability of the economies of the region to external shocks and natural catastrophes. Some of the factors which affected the region, namely low commodity prices, declining 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the economic situation of Africa, the role of various organizations in addressing the crisis, and the challenges faced by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). It highlights the need for policy reforms, structural adjustments, and recovery operations to alleviate poverty and improve productive capacity. The text also mentions the impact of external factors, such as low commodity prices and natural catastrophes, on the economies of African countries. Based on this analysis, it is likely that the text is related to economic development and humanitarian aid.

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