Ethiopia at a crossroads: Demography gender and development.

This PRB policy brief describes a study conducted by the World Bank in 2006 “Capturing the Demographic Bonus in Ethiopia” on behalf of the government of Ethiopia to examine scenarios that could best fuel economic development balance population and resources and slow the rate of population growth. The brief derives policy implications and recommendations from this study and other more recent sources including the 2007 National Population Census. Ethiopia is at a crossroads: forward-looking government policies and programs can lead the country in a more favorable direction. If lower mortality is balanced by lower fertility Ethiopia has a window of opportunity to capture the economic boost that a demographic bonus can provide.