A Demographic Dividend in Africa

For the past few days, my class has been discussing the importance of population growth and demographic trends in nations. In particular we are focusing on the effects of a “demographic dividend.” Generally when societies transition from a high fertility rate to a low fertility rate, the societies grow economically. This is because there is an increase in the number of people in the work force and they begin to have fewer children. This economic growth due to the change in fertility is often called “demographic dividend.” The other day I came upon article that focused on the possible demographic dividend in Africa. The article is called “Baby Bonanza” from the Economist. I was surprised by the author’s prediction that Africa could be an exception to the trend of obtaining a demographic dividend due to economic growth. In the past South East Asia and China have both grown richer and benefitted from a demographic transition as their fertility rates have dropped. Yet, even as Africa begins to grow richer, she may be an exception to this demographic transition. This article caught my attention because Africa has suffered from so much in the past and it looks like she will continue to suffer unless something is done to encourage a demographic dividend due to economic growth. It seems like Africa needs to focus on being able to provide enough food for its people and providing better education for its females. It also needs to develop stronger and more stable governments to protect its people. Then maybe Africa will benefit from a demographic dividend.