EXAMPLE Gambia (+Nigeria), youthful population

demographic facts

62% of pop under 25 (median age 22)

70% of people employed in farming

literacy rate = 55%

TFR = 5.2

mothers av. age = 20, LE 62

why a youthful population?

polygamy + high fertility rate (low status of women)

religion (Muslim)

children are free labour

45% of population under 15

social challenges

• need education

• health clinics

• undernourishment

• family planning

economic opportunties

if the young are educated they could grow the economy

economic challenges

existing population is underemployed, jobs for double the number of people need to be found

environmental challenges

deforestation - leading to desertification

political challenges

• have to provide infrastructure etc., train teachers

• develop economy to support this many

how does it manage its youthful population

• awareness campaign for contraception - awareness, accessibility, availability

  message of advert - young successful men support contraception

• some religious leaders now support contraception

• government partnering with NGOs and charities (‘futures’) to guarantee contraception is affordable

• prices subsidized by WHO

• healthcare for women/children - reduce fertility rates over generations

• environmental regeneration

• increased education

Why does Nigeria see its youthful population as an asset

• consumption will continue to grow - large market which will attract investment (TNCs)

• young people more likely to engage with technology, this can be a strong area of quaternary growth