Environmental Quality in Africa: Is the Demographic Dividend an Asset?

Emmanuel JUAKALY WAYISOVIA, Université de Dschang
Bruno Emmanuel Ongo Nkoa, Université de Yaoundé II Soa

Deforestation in Africa poses significant challenges to environmental quality and sustainable development. This article examines the relationship between deforestation and environmental quality in Africa, focusing on whether the demographic dividend can be used as an asset to address this issue. By exploring the potential impact of the demographic dividend on deforestation trends and its implications for environmental policies and economic development, this study aims to shed light on the complex interplay between population dynamics, economic growth and environmental sustainability in the African context. Accordingly, using econometric methods of pooled mean group, fixed and random effects on a panel of 44 African countries for the period 1975-2021. The results suggest that the demographic dividend contributes to the degradation of environmental quality in Africa. The implications of this study for economic policy suggest that addressing the underlying drivers and challenges associated with agricultural practices is essential to minimizing deforestation for environmental sustainability in Africa to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Keywords: Population, Environment, and Climate Change

See paper.