Economic and demographic change in Africa

Using a variety of different approaches, arguments and sets of data, the contributors to this book examine the complex relationship between current population growth rates and economic conditions in Africa. In recent years, the interaction between demography and the economy has been at the centre of the debate on the performance of African economies. Africa has in the past decade or so shown some of the highest population growth rates in the world, while the economic crisis has become more entrenched.

Some observers blame the present crisis on rapid population increase; others regard this increase as a stimulus to economic development. What emerges is that the quality of African labour is a distinct barrier to rapid economic growth. The rate of expansion of the skill endowment of African labour is accordingly seen both as a constraint on future development and as a potential catalyst.

. This book demonstrates that the process of developing factor markets in Africa has been accelerated mainly under the impact of external factors. Land, labour and credit markets have emerged and taken shape in different African economies under the impact of their integration into the international economy. These changes have far-reaching implications for demographic change in Africa. The responses of African households to such changes in the wider economy are also highlighted.

Economic and Demographic Change in Africa is an appeal for further research, coupled with more systematization and exchange of knowledge.