Relationship between population and environment with particular reference to mortality in selected ECA member states

Abstract

The prevailing situation in Africa is such that population is more and more linked to economic and environmental crises. Some of the causes are determined by economic and policy structures which influence production, consumption, population distribution and environment. Environmental degradation like deforestation, decertification and soil erosion lead to reduced agricultural production of food, poor sanitation, lack of safe drinking water, accelerated population growth, etc, which have impact on population and development. This study is undertaken in order to identify population environment interrelationships and linkages. The linking variables would provide knowledge to be utilized for integration in development plans by policy makers, planners and other officials in population, environment and development. It is expected that integration of these variables in development plans would lead to achieving declining mortality rates, better quality of life, raising standards of living and better use of natural resource base to achieve sustainable development among ECA member states. The knowledge base is also important in the implementation of Agenda 21.