ABSTRACT
The age structure-economic framework, the economic theory of fertility, and price of children theory, demonstrate the economic implications of a large proportion of children and adolescents especially under 15 years old. This chapter analyses the question of whether children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are a dividend or a debt. It discusses how census data from purposively selected countries in SSA (Kenya, Senegal, South Africa), were used and the methods of analysis adopted. The chapter presents the findings of the descriptive statistical and demographic analytical strategies and employed in the analysis of census data of the selected countries. It attempts to explain the findings in the context of the age structure-economic performance framework (population structure, dependency ratio, literacy level), pointing out answers to the main question addressed in the study. In addition, salient conclusions are drawn and policy implications of major findings are highlighted.
