The demographic dividend and the ways in which population could be considered a resource when contemplating possible futures
One case study of a country benefiting from a demographic dividend
Definition: The demographic dividend is the accelerated economic growth that may result from a decline in a country's birth and death rates and the subsequent change in the age structure of the population (PBR)
IB definition: As defined by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) demographic dividend means the economic growth potential that can result from shifts in a population's age structure, mainly when the share of the working-age population (15 to 64) is larger than the non-working-age share of the population (14 and younger, and 65 and older)
"While family planning is necessary for establishing the conditions for a demographic dividend, investments in child health, education, and gender equality are critical additional steps that contribute to family planning use and economic growth." (PBR)
Working-age population: Population aged 15-64 years
Dependency ratio: The ratio of dependents (0-14 and 65+) to the working-age population
Demographic transition: The shift from high birth and death rates to low birth and death rates
Which scenario do you think is more realistic for Africa by 2030? Justify your answer using evidence from the text and your knowledge of current African development trends.
If you were advising African governments, which three policy interventions mentioned in the brief would you prioritize? Explain your reasoning.
Evaluate the long-term sustainability of the strategies proposed in the optimistic scenario. What potential obstacles might arise?