-L63.2 5. Balance of pavments 104. Low export earnings, largely owing to the dectine in the production ofground-nuts and ground-nut products and low prices in international markets, anincrease in the volume and prices of imports, especially of petroleum products,food and nanufactured goods, and the large increase in debt service charges hasresulted in a rapid increase in exEernal payments obligations. The deficit oncurrent account has been over 20 per cent of GDp and the overall deficitapproximately 15 per cent of GDP in recent years. Tota1 debt is approachingL50 per cent of GDP| arrears have accumulated rapidly and are non in the vicinityof 50 per cent of GDP. As at end-March 1984, official external reserves wereD 16'55 miltion, compared with D 9.38 million at end-March 19g3. Arthough thereserves have shown some improvement, they were stitl only eguivalent to less thanthree weeks oE L9g2/g3 imports. 105' The devaluation of February 1984 should benefit farmers by enhancing producerprices in local currency terms, providing incentives for " gr""te, volume ofexports and, weather, international demand and prices permittingr of increasingexport earnings- rn addition, the central Bank has been making increased effortsto mobilize foreign exchange accruals and curtail leakages, by ensuring thatearnings are channelled through the banking system. Regulations have also beenintroduced to enhance the operational efficiency oe the central Bank in theperformance of this task. rn addition, ".ur."n.y declaration form has beenreintroduced at the airport to rnonitor the inflows of foreign currency fromtourists and other visitors to the country. The operation of external accounts byhoteliers is being controlled to ensure that resources accruing to the Gambia fromthis sector are properly accounted for and dury surrendered.A/40/44L English Page 39 6. Food situation 106. In a normal year, the Gambia needs to import at least 301000 tons of rice to
**Analysis**
The text appears to discuss the economic situation of a country, specifically the Gambia, with a focus on its balance of payments, debt, and foreign exchange reserves. It also touches on the food situation and the impact of devaluation on farmers. The text does not seem to be discussing natural resources, environment, agriculture, forestry, fishing, industry, transport, communication, health, education, employment, or humanitarian aid and relief.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade