Rapid Population Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: Issues and Policies

摘要

Substantial social and economic progress in Sub-Saharan Africa during the past 15 years has not altered the traditional regime of very high fertility. Explanations for this paradox have to turn to broad societal characteristics not captured by multivariate analysis of the household level. Growing population numbers have accentuated the food deficit, magnified the budgetary problem of financing basic needs services and complicated the employment issue. The paper projects future population growth of nine sample countries, accounting for two-thirds of Africa's total population, on the basis of four sets of assumptions. These exercises confirm the desirability of action by African governments to reduce fertility. Present population policies are weak and attempts to strengthen them face formidable obstacles. Nevertheless, a start can be made almost everywhere by defining programs which fit into the prevailing cultural context. These programs have to evolve into broad policies. What is required is a transformation of production and social relationships and through these changes a major revolution in values that determine desired family size. (Copyright (c) 1983 The World Bank.)