However, economies are based on agriculture and many areas are forested. This offers opportunities to tackle problems. Up to 40 per cent of agricultural produce is wasted in the least developed countries, mainly through lack of storage and processing facilities, poor roads on which to move produce before it perishes, and lack of knowledge of processing technologies. Only about 35 per cent of food is processed in Africa, compared with some 98 per cent in developed countries. The timber industry is in its infancy, with less than 10 per cent of logs processed to add value in manufacturing.
Poor use is made of natural fibres for textiles.
The processing of hides and skins is at a basic level. Institutional support, such as technical, advisory, or outreach services, is poor, making it difficult to select appropriate processes, machinery and equipment. Each sector requires know-how for a wide range of specialized technologies. Wood Efficient wood processing and the manufacture of wood products can make major contributions to sustainable forest management and conservation. Advice is also available on rural maintenance workshops for cars, trucks, tractors, farm implements, outboard and other motors, as well as spare part manufacture, tyre repair and retreading.