in as much as that production is largely free from the fluctua­ tion of world markets and from external influences, its develop- 159 E/ECA/CM.9/5 ment tion, tion ces. will result in a net gain~ namely an increas~ in consump­ a reduction on external dependence, improvement of nutri­ and ~he quality of life and the increase of productive for- ~/ 47. Ir order to increase women's production while at the same time decreasing their work-loads and improving their living con­ ditions something which will contribute tq the over-all develop­ ment and will result in improving also the living conditions of men ard children, it is necessary that African government policies take into account at all levels (national and local) and in all areas of economic and social life, the role, status, living conditions, needs and problems of women particularly of rural women who constitute the great majority. No development strategy can disregard the fact that the rural women is not only a producer of consumable goods but fulfills also the roles of mother, wife and homemaker. This div•~rsity of roles calls for a long term vision and implies in fact a change in attitudes. 48. AgYicultural production by African women is presently limited to the satisfaction of -immediate needs. Their produc­tivity is very low not only because of the various reasons cited above, namely: in uncertain claims on land, age old methods of cultivation, primitive implements, limited access to production inputs and credits, but also because in addition to cultivation, they have to bear frequent and close pregnancies and a great num­ ber of household chores. If agricultural production and par­ ticularly food production is to increase a whole set of measures needs to be taken which will contribute on the one hand to im­ prove women's productivity ar::d on the other hand to ensure a. bet­
**Analysis**
The text discusses the development of African women in agricultural production, highlighting the need for improvement in their productivity, living conditions, and role in society. It emphasizes the importance of considering women's needs and problems in economic and social policies. The text also touches on the need for a change in attitudes towards women's roles.

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