shown in table III.E.l. The over-all contraction in 1982 (measured in terms of 1980 dollars at market prices} reflected worsening eccr.cmic conditions ir. most of the 24 countries for which data were available. 'l'he decline in real GDP was mainly attributable to lo.1er experts and fixed investment, which were only partially offset by higher private consumption expenditures and government purchases. 25. It is estimated that real GDP fell in 5 countries, was vir­ tually unchanged in 10 ethers and gre"'· in the rema ini nc; 9 countries. Hcwever, in countries like the Gambia, t-1orocco and Seneaal the 1982 high growth v1as only a return to norma 1 after a disastrous drouqht in the previous year. 26. The sharpest contraction occurred in the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya where real GDP fell by about 4.6 per cent, but severe declines in GDP were experienced also hy i':adaaascar and Niqeria. In Botswana (whose econor.1ic growth in 1970-1981 surpassed that of all other African cour.tries) GDP grew by only 1.5 per cent in 1982. 27. The 21 least de vel oped African countries gre\J by 2 per cent in 1982 comparee with a 3. 2 per cent increase in 1981. The main source of grOW'th for this qrcup of countries was aqricul tural production which increased siqnif ica ntly while manufacturing, construction and mining declined in 1982. Consurr.ption increased by sliqhtly above 1 per cent while fixed capaital formation and 24 E/ECA/Ct-1.9/5 exports contracted. The level of imports 'VIas 8. 6 per cent 1 o.wr in 1982 than previous year causinq difficulties in tl1e modern sectors and in investment. 28. The countries south of Sahara other than least developed had a much slower qrowth than the oroup of the least developed African countries. This is not new phenomenon, there has been a 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the economic performance of various African countries in 1982, highlighting the decline in real GDP, changes in investment, consumption, and trade, as well as the impact on different sectors such as agriculture, industry, and manufacturing. The text also mentions the effects of drought and natural disasters on certain countries. The focus is on macroeconomic indicators and their implications for economic development.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade