Trends and Prospects of Population in Tropical Africa

Abstract

Despite the uncertainty of the available statis tics, it can be said that Tropical Africa remains the region of the world with the highest fertility and mortality. Popula tion growth is substantial, and it often takes place in vul nerable ecosystems that are not suited to large populations. The Sahel and its problems of irregular rainfall illustrate the unsuitability of much of the continent for anything but bare survival. Relocation of population, some of it to cities, is inevitable; but intensified agriculture holds the key to the well-being of the increased number of people.