And yet. the situation deteriorated visibly in that same time period. President Reagan. in his statement unveiling his African hunger relief initiative. recognized the need for a thorough reexamination of the African reality. He had called for a threepronged U.S. program that addresses the immediate emergency. the pressing refugee problem. and longer term agricultural development needs on the continent. In addition. he has called for an international conference of prospective donor nations. While the agenda for such a conference has not yet been set. it ought to include a rigorous review of past development efforts in Africa. the need for improving donor coordination. and a realistic assessment of infrastructure needs to help Africa regain its economic productivity and move toward selfsufficiency in its foodstuffs.