In a Keynote Address delivered during the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria maiden edition around table at TAHIR Guest palace, Kano tagged Poverty and Underdevelopment in Africa and some thoughts on the Way Forward by his Highness Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, Sarkin citing Nigeria as the example, where fertility rates are among the highest anywhere in the world. Regardless whether the countries are Christian or Muslim, rich or poor, small or large, he added.
The Kano Emir noted it is possible that fertility rates among the poorest and least educated segments of the population are actually rising. But once again we see big differences across income levels, education levels and regions.
He pointed out that one major culprit is the lack of family planning – a sensitive topic historically.
“On average in Africa, there are still 0.7 unwanted pregnancies per woman
If this were to fall to zero, he said, it would lower population projections for 2100 by 30%.
Emir Sanusi noted that only 10% of married women of childbearing age use contraception.
If the fertility rate doesn’t decline quickly enough, he said, it will be very difficult or impossible for Nigeria to harness the demographic dividend.
He advised that in order to benefit from the demographic dividend, fertility rates need to decline so that ratio of workers to dependents can rise. Right now Nigeria has 1.1 workers per dependent and East Asian countries (now at the peak of their demographic dividend) has 2.7 worker per dependent.
“A favourable age structure is however just the start: the economy also has to provide jobs for all these workers.
To do this, he directed that, Nigeria (and Africa) also needs greater investment in education, higher productivity in the informal sector, better governance, etc
If the fertility rate doesn’t decline quickly enough, Emir was of the opinion that, it will be very difficult or impossible for Nigeria to harness the demographic dividend.
“One of the obstacles the continent faces is rapid population growth. Africa as a whole is projected to nearly double in size by 2050, which means that even if the percentage of poor people on the continent is cut in half, the number of poor people stays the same
He reiterated that if the fertility rate doesn’t decline quickly enough, it will be very difficult or impossible for Nigeria to harness the demographic dividend.
“To continue improving the human condition, our most important priority is to help create opportunities in Africa’s fastest-growing countries. This means investing in young people.”
The Caption Photo: His Highness Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, Sarkin, Emir of Kano
