[Development of African children: influence of the home environment]

The purpose of this report was to show how special features of the African home environment affect child development. Special emphasis was placed on the traditional social structure and the roles of various players. The different stages of development are described in relation to the major social events in African families and communities. Psychomotor development in African children presents several particularities in relation to children in the industrialized world but differences tend to decrease as a result of ongoing social upheaval. Modernization or globalization has had a profound effect on family organization and child care. These changes must be taken into account by officials in charge of child-psychiatry services. Preventive initiatives should taken into account and, insofar as possible, preserve traditional familial resources.