Training developing-world personnel in family planning and population: accomplishments and patterns

The characteristics of more than 12,000 persons from developing countries who received training in population and family planning subjects during 1966-78 are reviewed. During these years many changes occurred with regard to trainee origin, professional background, nature and duration of training program attended, and other important characteristics. The observed patterns of trainee characteristics over time suggest the presence of defined stages of manpower training that are largely predictable. These trends suggest an empirical basis for anticipating future training needs and for evaluating training activities.