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Africa: rapid population increase retards development
Southern Africa Political & Economic Monthly
|October 1, 1993
Summary
African governments are urged to address rapid population growth, which outpaces economic development and food production. High birth rates, particularly in rural areas, are driven by agricultural labor needs and elder care expectations, hindering self-sufficiency.
Area of Science:
- Demographics
- African Studies
- Development Economics
Background:
- African governments and development organizations like the Organization of African Unity (OAU), African Development Bank (ADB), and UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) express concern over rapid population growth.
- Historically, many African governments did not prioritize population growth as a significant issue.
- Population increase rates in Africa significantly exceed economic growth, impacting development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical issue of unchecked population growth in Africa.
- To analyze the disparity between population increase and economic growth.
- To examine the factors contributing to high birth rates, particularly in rural agricultural communities.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of population growth statistics and economic indicators in Africa.
- Review of statements and concerns from major African development organizations.
- Examination of socio-economic factors influencing family size in rural and urban settings.
Main Results:
- Africa's average annual population increase (3.1%) far exceeds its economic growth (less than 1% in 1992).
- Agricultural production growth (2.5% annually) is insufficient to ensure food self-sufficiency.
- Sub-Saharan Africa's urban population is growing rapidly (6.9% annually between 1980-1988), now comprising nearly 30% of the total population.
Conclusions:
- Urgent attention and action are required from African governments to manage population growth.
- Socio-economic factors, including agricultural labor demands and old-age support, contribute to high fertility rates.
- Continued population increase, both urban and rural, poses significant challenges to development and resource management in Africa.