The problem of choosing model life tables for African countries

"This study seeks to investigate contemporary practice among mortality analysts whereby the South Model life table in the Coale Demeny system is used for analysing mortality data for countries in the North African subregion while the corresponding North Model is used for Sub-Saharan African countries. The two analytical methods proposed...are discussed and empirically tested with pertinent data from Algeria and Egypt (North Africa) and Liberia, Togo, Reunion and Mauritius (Sub-Saharan Africa)." The above practice is not completely validated. "It is therefore suggested that rather than use a predetermined model life table for analysing mortality data in African countries, the methods used in the study should first be applied to determine the model type that best fits the specific country data situation." (summary in FRE, ITA)