Economic analysis of the economic policy of rural area underemployment and crisis in the agricultural sectors of Africa – analyses agricultural production from 1950 to 1980, as well as farming systems prior to colonialism; examines impact of capitalist farming on the peasantry, dependence of the agricultural economies of newly independent countries on capitalism, and agricultural policies advocated to fight food shortages (incl. The basic needs strategy), etc.; proposes alternative development policies. ILO mentioned. Bibliography, statistical tables.