12. Social development, environment and human settlements (a) Integrated rural development 95. The secretariat took significant practical steps for more effective co-ordination of rural activities at the regional level. The first joint meeting of the African Regional Inter-Agency Committee on Rural Development and FAO's Fourth Inter-Agency Meeting for Africa on the follow-up of the World Conference on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (WCARRD) was held at ECA, Addis Ababa, from 20 to 22 November 1984. It discussed ECA's paper on "Strengthening of inter-agency co-operation in the field of rural development in Africa" and decided to meet again in 1986. 96. Publication of ECA's bulletin, "Rural Progress", continued. One of its special issues was devoted to "International Youth Year 1985" and another to "Drought in Africa". 97. Technical advisory services were provided to member States (Chad and Guinea) at their request. 98. Five country case studies on the role of co-operation in the rural productive sectors are almost complete. (b) Youth and social welfare 99. During the period under review, the secretariat prepared a study on family and child welfare policies, organizations and administration in Africa. Its objective was to provide member States with guidance for formulating appropriate family policies and programmes in the light of - 32 - present trends in the socio-economic situation of African countries. As part of the implementation of the World Programme of Action for Disabled Persons, and in pursuance of resolution 3 (III) of the Conference of African Ministers of Social Affairs, the secretariat prepared a study on the situation of disabled persons in Africa, intended to guide the Commission in the elaboration of a regional disability programme in implementation of the World Programme of Action for Disabled Persons. 100. A study on the role of youth in national development is in progress. 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the development of rural areas, youth, and social welfare, which suggests that the main focus is on social development and human settlements. The text also mentions technical advisory services provided to member states, which implies that the category should also include environment.

**Category**
Social development, environment