The Population Factor and Economic Growth and Development in Sub- Saharan African Countries
Population studies
31
Issue: 2
(11 - 2017)
Background: The consequences of rapid population growth for development and policy options for
addressing undesirable population trends remain at the core of demographic enquiry in developed and
developing countries. In this paper, we re-examine the data on the particular relationship between
population trends in sub-Saharan Africa and economic growth and development. We use case studies of
Zambia and Botswana to demonstrate the implications of different rates of population growth in the
push to eradicate different dimensions of extreme poverty and hunger.
Methods: We use extensive review of published and grey literature; the search of databases of the
United Nations and World Bank; and analysis of relevant secondary data.
Results: The economic profile of Botswana and Zambia were similar in the late 1960s but since the
early|980s, Botswana has maintained one of the world's highest economic growth rates, diversified its
economy and ranked as the most wealthy and most stable country on the African continent.
On the other hand, Zambia's economy lacked economic diversity, with heavy external indebtedness,and
high levels of poverty. We show how divergent demographic indicators (fertility levels, population growth
rates, and dependency ratios) for Botswana and Zambia since the 1960s offer understanding of their
divergent economic trajectories over the same period. Data from 42 SSA countries show that average
gender gap in primary enrolment is negatively associated with rates of population growth.
Conclusions: Our analysis highlights the inevitable role of population factors in achieving key development
goals and the need for interventions, such as investments in voluntary family planning, around alleviating
pressures caused by rapid population growth to poverty reduction, maternal and child mortality, and
women’s empowerment.
Key words: age difference, fertility, Uganda, partners, DHS.
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