Strategies for increasing effectiveness of human resources in priority sectors for socio-economic development

Abstract

This paper argues that the success of new policy measures and strategies in priority sectors of development is predicated upon the availability and utilization of appropriate human infrastructure within the African economy. In this context, the paper asserts that human resources are critical for Africa's recovery and development and therefore appropriate measures should be taken to increase effectiveness of human resources in priority sectors of development. The term effectiveness1 in the paper refers to: increasing the development potentials of human resources, and thereby increasing their productive capacities; enhancing the utilization of human capabilities and capacities in productive work; and improving the planning of human resources development and utilization so that the masses of the population are both the beneficiary of as well as the participants in socioeconomic development. The main objectives of the paper are to: analyze the current human resources situation in Africa in relation to priority sectors for socio-economic development; and to propose strategies for increasing effectiveness of human resources in priority sectors of development.