Implementation of the kilimanjaro programme of action : lessons and prospects

Abstract

African governments were, in the 1960s, more preoccupied with the decolonization process and the transformation of the inherited colonial structures and policies rather than with population issues. They, however, were in dire need of population data/ information for their socio – economic development plans. But over time, there has been a remarkable increase in perception of population factors in the development issues. Earlier, large families were considered as an essential labour force in agriculture. The economic system pushed people to population growth and food production. The pattern of industrialization reinforced the rural-urban dichotomy and accelerated the rural-urban migration.