~fuether the bulk of this requirement can be covered from export earnings depends on external demand for the continent's export­ abies. Given the grim economic situation in the OECD countries (which absorb upwards of BO per cent of Africa's exports), the prospects do not seem to be any brighter in 1982 than they were in 1981, and neither are they to improve in 1983. 40. Resource inflows are also likely the decrease in interest rates in world chances of taking advantage of it '\JOrthiness of most African countries 125 to be affected. Despite capital markets, Africa's are poor as the credit­ is considered to be low. E/ECA/CH.9/5 At the same time, the expected delay in economic recovery of OECD countries is likely to act as a brake on resource flows. 41. It is therefore important for African countries not to ex­ pect larger flm>'s from the industrialized countries. They would do well to seek some kind of an ag.• eement with OPEC countries for increased flov1s from that source. Notes 1/ Data for 1970 are from Handbook of International Trade and Development Statistics, Supplement 1981 (United Nations pub­ lication, Sales l~o. E7"F-:--82.II.D.ll), p. 81. The figures for 1981 are ECA secretariat estimates. 2/ World Economic Outlook, Occasional Paper No. 9 (Hash"Ington, IMF, 1982}, tables 68-and 70. 3/ Ibid., table 33. These figures apply to all low-income countries, and not just African ones. 126 E/ECA/CM.9/5 VII. POPULATION SITUATION Introduction 1. This chapter contains a discussion of three major problems currently facing ECA member States in their efforts to achieve higher living standards for their people. These are high population growth rates, migration and urbanization, and inap­ propriate population distribution. Before focusing on the three problem areas, it will be instructive to review the demographic characteristics of African countries. A. Demosraphic characteristics 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the economic situation of African countries, specifically their reliance on export earnings, the impact of external factors such as interest rates and economic recovery on their economy, and the need to seek alternative sources of funding. The text also touches on demographic issues such as population growth rates, migration, and urbanization. However, the primary focus is on economic development and international trade.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade