Economic growth and the demographic transition: the case of African countries

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Periodical article

Title:	Economic growth and the demographic transition: the case of African countries
Author:	Kidane, Asmerom
Year:	1985
Periodical:	The African Review: A Journal of African Politics, Development and International Affairs
Volume:	12
Issue:	2
Pages:	77-88
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Africa
Subjects:	development demographic change
Abstract:	The demographic transition theory states that an accelerated economic and social development leads to a decrease in both fertility and mortality. This paper empirically verifies the relevance of the demographic transition theory to African countries by considering the socioeconomic determinants of life expectation and fertility during the period 1960-1965, when most African countries were gaining their independence, and during the period 1975-1980, for comparison. The method of analyses is multiple regression and zero order correlation. The socioeconomic indicators used are per capita GNP, the volume and extent of health services, and the level of education and urbanization. A comparison of the four regions of Africa (East, West, North, and Central and South) indicates that North Africa shows the highest economic improvement with high fertility decline and high increase in life expectancy, while West Africa shows the least improvement. Ref.