Towards Enhancing the Quality of Life in Africa

Abstract

That some countries are rich while others are poor is a well-known fact. While people in the developed countries of Europe and North America, for example, enjoy good water, good food, good housing, clothing, medical facilities and education, those in the less developed countries of Africa suffer without these basics for a decent quality of life. Even though there are spatial inequalities within countries, in the quality of life, the disparity between the industrialized countries and those of Africa is astonishingly wide. Differences in the quality of life are explored by comparing the Gross National Income Purchasing Power Parity Per Capita, life expectancy, literacy, infant and child mortality, access to safe water, and sanitary facilities. The persistently high fertility in the face of declining mortality and the consequent high rate of natural increase in the population of the countries of Africa as well as a high dependency ratio are noted as impediments to the realization of socioeconomic development goals and enhancement of the quality of life of the people. Provision of mass education, changes in the perceived value of children, improved use of modern contraceptives, and reduced fertility amongst others are major steps towards enhancing the quality of life of Africans.