text: Orqanisa tion for Economic Co-operation and Development Orqa nization of Petroleum-Exportinq Countries Pan-African Telecornrnu nica ticns Network Southern African Development Co-ordination Conference Special drawinq riqht Swedish International Development Authority Central African Customs and Economic Union United Nations Conference on Trade and Development United. Nations Children's Fund World Health Orqanization (vii) E/ECA/CM.9/5 Introduction 1. The present Survey of econanic and social conditions in Africa for the period 1981-1982 is the fruit of research carried cut by the ECA Socio-economic Research and Planning Division on the basis of information collected directly in member States of the Commission during field missions, toae.ther with statistical and other types of information available in the ECA secretariat. 2. The Survey, which is published in accordance with ECA's terms of reference and specific resolutions and recommendations of the Conference of Ninisters, furnishes each year an analysis cf the main economic and social trends in the African reqion, 'vlhile providinq basic statistical information on the most impor­ tant economic and social variables. Beginning with the edition for 1980-1981, the Survey also provides short-term forecasts for the immediate future, and accordingly the present Survey includes a forecast of the major econanic variables for the year 1983. The analysis is, however, mostly focused on the year 1981, estimates for 1982 being provided wherever possible. 3. This is due to the constraints imposed by the data avail­ able. Despite considerable proqress in the last 20 years, statis­ tica :i. i nf ormation remains defective in rna jor areas in the African reqion, and in many cases accurate data are ava1.lable only after appreciable delays. Further serious difficulties arise from short-comings in accuracy and reliability. The figures given for most economic aggregates are cften derived from v~ry rough es­ timates and, particularly for the key agricultural sector, data 
analysis: The text appears to be a report on the economic and social conditions in Africa, discussing trends, statistics, and forecasts. It also mentions the limitations of data availability, which suggests that the report is focused on macroeconomic indicators rather than specific sectors or industries. The text does not mention natural resources, environment, or humanitarian aid, which are often distinct categories.