text: for about 60 per cent of the toEal in 1976 for 90 developing countries. The share of roots and tubers, which have a low protein content' in total calorie supply was 21 per cent' although for some individual countries the share iias nore than half. Africa' particularly dense eguatorial forest zones, low lands around the great lakes, and the coastal populations of Western Africa, being nore dependent on rools and tubers as a source of energy supply chan other reqions of Ehe Horld, is most vulnerable to protein deficiency. 263. The growth of average calorie supplies gives an idea of nutritional trends, but cannot provide an indication of the total number of undernourished people, tthich depends crucially on the distribution of income. within the agricultural population, landless agricultural labourers, small and marginal farmers and nomadic tribes constitute the bulk of those who are most vulnerable Co nutritional deficiency. Food intake also tends to be inequitably distributed within the fanily. Various studies suggest that children at the weaning stage and women, particularly pregnant and lactating women, are adversely affected. This raises questions regarding the changing attitude tovrards the status of vromen in traditional soc i eti es. 254. Fluctuations in the availabilitsy and price of food supplies affect poor famiLies relatively nore seriously. Fluctuations from year to year and seasonal varlations can have damaging consequences, particularly in areas where the food d.istribution structure is reak owing to inadeguate storage' transport and marketing. Moreover, if there are seasonal fluctuations, annual average intake figures can be nisleading. For example, it often happens that small and marglnal farmers are forced to sell cheir products for a low price at harvest time !o meec the pressing demand for cash and then Eo buy back a smaller amount at higher prices
analysis: The text discusses the issue of food insecurity and malnutrition in developing countries, particularly in Africa. It highlights the importance of agriculture and food distribution in addressing these issues, and notes the vulnerability of certain groups, such as children and women, to nutritional deficiency. The text also touches on the impact of economic factors, such as income distribution and fluctuations in food prices, on food security.