In brief

· A record amount of over £43 million (around US$78 million) was allocated In 1990-91 to Oxfam's overseas program, covering some 2 900 projects In more than 70 countries. Grants from this NGO to deprived populations In developing countries range from as little as £179, to cover the basic needs of cataract patients In Bangladesh, to as much as £269 140 to supply drinking water to 200 000 Somali refugees for four months. But Oxfam officials underline the fact that money alone cannot solve problems and greater emphasis must be given to providing training, advice and simply talking with communities about the factors that put a restraint on their initiatives

For further information, contact: Oxfam, 274 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 7DZ, England Telephone: 44-865-5677. Fax: 44-865-312417.

· To save the world's aquatic resources - threatened by overexploitation and pollution - over 45 scientific and professional organizations have decided to Intensify their joint efforts by setting up a structure for continuing collaboration. This decision was taken during the World Fisheries Congress held early last May In Athens. World catches totalled 97.3 million tonnes In 1990 compared to 74.6 million tonnes In 1981. It is estimated that they will reach 120 million tonnes at the turn of the century.

For further information on the World Fisheries Congress, contact: American Fisheries Society, 5410 Grosvenor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20134, USA.

· According to the Club of Bologna, mechanized agriculture In East European countries requires small machine tools for family-run farms. These countries find themselves handicapped by the fact that entire sectors of production are not yet mechanized and their sales and technical assistance circuits leave much to be desired. The Club of Bologna Is an Italian association which pro. mobs development strategies for mechanized agriculture worldwide. Its 70-odd members meet yearly In Bologna, during the International farm machinery fair. Its secretariat is located in Rome at the headquarters of the National Union of Farm machinery Manufacturers: Unacoma, 22A Via Spalianzani, 00161 Rome, Italy. Telephone: 396-419441, Fax: 39-6-4402722