operations in the poorest food-deficit countries, as stipulated in the Agreement Estanlishing IFAD. So far, out of the total 44 poorest food-deficit member countries, 39 have received 88 loans for a total of SDR 983 rnillion, representinq 58 per cent of total loan operations. This emphasis continued in 1984 with 14 of the poorest food-deficit countries receiving 66 per cent of the loans totalling SDR 126 million. In the face of scarce resources, IFAD has adjusted its country priorities to provide assistance to the most needy countries. The bulk of IFAD loans have been given on highly concessional terms (i.e., service charqe of I per cent per annum with a repayment period of 50 years, including a lO-year grace period) . 34. In 1984 and early 1985, tbe Executive Board of IFAD approved loans to the Central African Republic, the Comoros, Eguatorial Guinea, the Gambia, Liberia, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone and Uqanda. III. ASSISTANCE PROVIDED TO INDIVIDUAI. COUNTBIES A. Benin 35. In 1984, the Department of Technical Co-operation for Development continued to assist Benin in its development efforts through various programmes of technical asssistance in such fields as development planning, mineral research, and rural rdater supply as well as assistance to the National Statistical fnstitut,e. TheA/40/ 43e Eng I i sft Page 10 modalities for assistance included the provision of expert and consultancy services and fellooships, and the procurement of eouipment. In 1984, the amount of assistance provided to Benin was $1r610r663 under UNDP funds. 36. UNCTAD is currently implementing a project entitled nTechnical Support to Cobentin" at a total cost ot $148,997 tot the period 1984-1985, funded by UNDP and an Italian Trust Fund. 37. During 1984, UNDP continued to provide assistance to the Government of Benin within the framework of the third country progranme of assistance. Approxirnately
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the activities and financial assistance provided by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to various countries, particularly those that are poorest food-deficit countries. The focus is on agricultural development, rural development, and poverty reduction. The text also mentions technical assistance, loans, and equipment procurement, which suggests that the assistance is aimed at improving the economic and social conditions of these countries.

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