Human resource development and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Sustained development requires efficient use of resources and equitable distribution of national income. Investment in human capital must be systematically organized in relation to other investments. Specifically, attrition in primary school is high, and the education does not respond sufficiently to labor market requirements, nor engender self-employment opportunities. Inadequate agricultural production, nutrition, health care, poor female education, and excessive population growth are major obstacles to human development and economic growth.

A dynamic growth model tested for the contribution of investments in human and physical capital, and other economic factors to economic growth. The stabilization of population growth was considered. Indeterminacy of human capital investment to economic growth was ascertained. Investment in human capital may promote labor productivity growth, may result in detrimental trade-off with growth, or under certain conditions may have no relationship with economic growth.

Population growth was associated with reduced investment in higher education, resulting in indeterminacy of its contribution to economic growth. Raising the incremental capital in managerial and technical higher education, and in equitable redistribution of this capital will create productive disequilibria. The educational system must also focus on population and nutrition.