The Youth Demographic: Opportunity and Challenge for Developmental Planning: A Zimbabwe Case Study

Abstract

Education and job creation are key instruments for facilitating the transition of youth and young adults to productive roles. This poses particular challenges in developing countries because they have relatively high population growth rates. The demographic pattern associated with high birth rates and low child mortality has been called the ‘youth buldge’ because it is characterized by large gains in the lower half of the population pyramid. Zimbabwe (previously known as Rhodesia) is presented as a case study where developmental priorities have not adequately supported the transition of youth to productive adult roles. The policy shortcomings originated in the colonial period and have continued after independence. The study is presented to make the case that countries that do not adequately support the transition of the young generation to productive adult roles risk debilitating social, political and economic instability.

DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2013.v3n6p119