Archive for: Economic Development


The Population Reference Bureau coordinated a comparative study of population, health, and environment (PHE) integration and cross-sectoral collaboration in East Africa. Teams from Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda assessed the state of PHE integration in their respective countries, through identifying relevant stakeholders; assessing the policy environment for cross-sectoral collaboration; highlighting the most salient population, health, and environment issues; and describing the current state of integration among projects, programs, and policies. Drawing lessons from countries where PHE programs have already been successfully implemented, this brief explores the PHE context, challenges, and opportunities for pursuing an integrated approach to development in Ethiopia, including identifying relevant stakeholders; assessing the policy environment for cross-sectoral collaboration; highlighting the most salient population, health, and environment issues; and describing the current state of integration among projects, programs, and policies. The paper highlights and explains several opportunities and entry points for pursuing a more holistic way to address the complex interactions between humans, their health, and the environment in Ethiopia.

Year: 2007

Source: Population Reference Bureau

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    This report documents the process through which a Ugandan conservation organization, Conservation through Public Health (CTPH), successfully integrated interventions traditionally seen as from different “domains” or “sectors” for the dual purposes of (1) reducing threats to mountain gorillas and their habitat and (2) improving the well-being of local communities directly dependent upon the health of the former (for ecotourism and natural resource use). CTPH received guidance from JSI in integrating family planning (FP) services to a quality standard, and increasing awareness of and demand for services among rural communities. This report describes activities undertaken between Oct 2006 and December 2008 and key results. It ends with an assessment of the potential for replication to increase coverage around this important Ugandan and World Heritage conservation area. Also presented are some lessons learned applicable to other initiatives aimed at extending access to FP around remote, biodiversity-priority areas and conserving the world’s biological richness.

    Year: 2010

    Source: John Snow, Inc. | Conservation Through Public Health | Evaluation and Research Technologies for Health

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      Following the 2007 International Population, Health, and Environment Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, The Eastern Africa region (EAC Partner States and Ethiopia) agreed to adopt the integrated PHE approach as a strategy for sustainable development. The purpose of the EAC Strategic Plan for 2016-2021 is to guide the EAC Partner States, EAC Organs and Institutions, civil society organizations, the private sector, and other development partners in their efforts to integrate and coordinate PHE interventions in the East African Community. The strategy discuses the vision, mission, goal, guiding principles, strategic objectives, interventions, and activities.

      Year: 2016

      Source: East African Community

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        Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is undergoing major transformations. In the last decade, the region has experienced strong economic growth, reduced maternal and infant deaths, increased levels of education, and new advances in technologies and telecommunications—creating the conditions for a robust future. However, recent economic growth rates have slowed, underscoring the need for new strategies. Persistent high rates of population growth threaten to undermine future economic growth as well as other social and development advancements. In addition, more than 335 million people live in poverty and many are left out of the progress. The great challenges leaders face are how to cope with growing populations, reduce poverty and inequity, build the resilience of those most vulnerable, be competitive in today’s global economy, and improve people’s lives without compromising the environment or the well-being of future generations.

        Tackling these challenges requires cross-sectoral collaboration, innovative approaches, and making the most of all available interventions. Family planning is one intervention that could and should be further leveraged. This review examines the critical role of voluntary family planning in Africa’s future. It provides an overview of the status of family planning over the last five years, and explores family planning’s tremendous potential to make a difference in many of the social and economic obstacles facing SSA today.

        Year: 2016

        Source: Population Reference Bureau

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          The FP-SDGs Model is an evidence-based advocacy tool that projects medium- and long-term effects of three different family planning scenarios, capturing the significant impact that contraceptive use has on SDG achievement. The model can be applied in any country, and allows users to design multiple scenarios to show how investments in family planning, education, and the economy can accelerate progress toward the SDGs. By showcasing the benefits of contraceptive use related to health, society, and the economy, the model provides evidence that supports investments in family planning at national and subnational levels.

          Results from country-level applications of the model enable users to:

          • Make the case for family planning financial investments and policy and programmatic improvements
          • Mainstream family planning across development sectors

          Year: 2018

          Source: Health Policy Plus

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            This policy brief explores the complex relationship between population dynamics and economic development in developing countries. When populations transition from high mortality and fertility rates to longer life expectancies and smaller family sizes, this is known as the demographic dividend. The brief expains how, during this transition phase, there are potentially significant economic benefits. In addition, the authors make recommendations for policy changes to increase investments in family planning and reproductive health, girls’ education, and economic development for youth.

            Year: 2011

            Source: The Aspen Institute

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