Population policies and state intervention: concepts, definitions, objectives, domains, and means of intervention
Mfoulou, R.
Les Annales de l'I.F.O.R.D 11(2): 53-92
1987
PMID: 12178527 Document Number: 373581
This work reviews the objectives and characteristics of state population policies and interventions, with particular relevance to sub-Saharan Africa. Interactions between population and development have only recently assumed significance as a topic of research and policy; there is growing awareness especially in Africa that the demographic variable must be integrated into development policies. To date, however, actual progress in this regard has been limited to adoption of maternal-child health programs almost everywhere and primary health care programs in most countries. Family planning programs have been emerging in a few more advanced countries. The work begins by placing demographic growth in Africa in the context of the demographic transition and discussing the messages of the 1974 and 1984 World Population Conferences. This is followed by a discussion of the need to integrate demographic aspects into development planning and an outline of the process for doing so. Different definitions of population policy are examined and compares as to objectives, areas of coverage, content, and evaluation. The objectives of population interventions are then discussed and different types of interventions are identified, using the examples of fertility and infant and child mortality.