early 19 80s. 8. The causes of the disapPointing performance in agrlculture and in food production in the reast a"n.iop.a "iunttt"" ituring the period under review are conplex and vary rro .orntry io country. But in general'.uT1! :l:^,::t th" disagtrous ctimacic conatltions ln rmst of those countries during the 1980s' rhich not only realuced agricultural productlon and negated the effects of lhe very aubstantial efforts-made by rnany of thetn to lncrease producEion ln tshis r.clor, but al'Eo caused severe ecological dar0age to the environnenE' 9. The lnportance accorded go food strategles has proven to be correctly placed. Such sEratsegles enable donors and the Least 'leveloped countries to deal rdltb the probtems of production' narketing and consunption in an tntegrated and cornprehensive manner. Coutageous an't inportant steps have been taken by severaL least devetoped countries, nith suPport of ttre international conmunity, to define and lntroduce food 6trategies' Success in chese cases naa the result of the Political eilL of Governments to introtluce changee' These neasures have yet to produce full and tangible benefits bul represenE the pri.ncipal achievement in this sector' I0. Failure in some cases to adopt apPropr late foo'il sector strategies and to inplenent appropr iate reforns bas contributed to the lack of progress in agiiculturai development. Difficulliee have been encountered in such key areas as: fult participation of the rural populatlon in rural development prograflmes, approprtate pricing policies for both agricultural products an'l inputs to serve as lncenlives ior increased production, institutlonal and agrarianreforms;thedevelopmentofbhereguirediofrastructure'meeEingthe basicneedsofruralsocieties'andoverconlngtheinequalitlesbetHeenrnen and wonen in participation in and benefiting from rural develoPnent progrannes' 11, During recent years the parlicular dynanism of the ruraL sector has increased and shown itself in varlous forms, Particularly in that of village groupings. I! often deeeloped in collaboration vtith non-governmental 6rgrni"ition". several least devel'oped countrles hav€ taken steps to support
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the challenges and successes in agricultural development, food production, and rural development in least developed countries. It highlights the complex factors contributing to disappointing performance in agriculture, the importance of food strategies, and the need for reforms and institutional changes to promote agricultural growth. The text also mentions the role of international support and the involvement of non-governmental organizations in rural development initiatives.

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