imports are directed primarily to urban areas. Malnutrition is believed to be prevalent, primarily the result of a protein deficiency in the national diet. 22. In general, the najor problems hindering agricultural development and increased food production are inadequate infrastructure' lack of transport, absence of marketing opportunities and insufficient supplies of consumer goods in the rural areas, and lack of extension services, seeds and implements as well as the prevalence of plant diseases and soil depletion.FoodA/40/430 Eng li sh Page 10 23. Increased exploitation of its fish resources could meet, to a great extent,the protein deficiency and provide a basis for exports. The artisannal fishingindustry has only began to recover from its almost complete destruction during theprevious r69ime. At the present time, most commercial fishing is done by foreigncompanies for export under licensing arrangements. 24- Livestock resources were adeguate for nat,ional demand for meat and dairyproducts at the time of independencei hovrever, Iike other sectors of the econony,the livestock sector registered a rapid decline and at present the country importsalmost all of its meat requirements. Tse-t.se fly remains a najor problem on themainland. Some poultry development. projects are being implemented, and cattle,sheep, and pig herds are being re-established through the imported stock. A rabbitbreeding plan is also under implementation. 25. In the past, food aid has accounted for a significant proportion of importrequirements. Details are provided in appendix I to ttte present report. It is notclear, however, that the current level 0r terms of food aid will be maint,ained inthe future. For 1985, taking into account assistance already conmitted, theGovernment estimates remaining food aid requirements as follows: Fish,/meat 8 075 tonnes Irlheat, flour 3 450 tonnes 242 tonnes
**Analysis**
The text primarily focuses on the country's food security and agricultural development, highlighting the challenges and potential solutions. It discusses the impact of infrastructure, marketing, and extension services on agricultural production, as well as the role of fish and livestock resources in addressing protein deficiency and meeting national demands. The text also touches on the topic of food aid and its potential future changes.

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