The challenge of attaining the demographic dividend.

Policymakers researchers and other stakeholders optimistically discuss the dividend. Most view the benefits as imminent and within grasp. However many of the least developed countries will be challenged to achieve this economic benefit without substantially lowering birth and child death rates -- a process referred to as the demographic transition. While child survival has greatly improved in developing countries birth rates remain high in many of them. To reach their full economic potential these countries must act today to increase their commitment to and investment in voluntary family planning. The dividend is the accelerated economic growth that may result from a decline in a countrys mortality and fertility and the subsequent change in the age structure of the population. With fewer births each year a countrys young dependent population grows smaller in relation to the working-age population. With fewer people to support a country has a window of opportunity for rapid economic growth if the right social and economic policies developed and investments made. This policy brief explains the connection between the dividend and investments in voluntary family planning; highlights Africas particular challenge in achieving a dividend and the need for immediate action; and underscores the investments in health education and gender equity as well as subsequent economic policies that are needed to open and take advantage of this window of opportunity. Finally the brief prioritizes actions for decisionmakers to make the most of the dividend.