Study: “Life Expectancy, Demographic Changes and Welfare: The Case of Sub-Saharan Africa During the Last Half-Century”
PI: Housseini, Bouba
Affiliation: Universite Laval
Funding Partner: IIE
Project Dates:
Start: 2011
End: 2013
Geographic Location: Sub-Saharan Africa

Description:
This research explores the effect of population size and longevity on social welfare and public policies. It attempts to answer two main questions: How can the progress of nations be evaluated when populations differ in size, longevity and income distribution? What are the effects of fertility and mortality on economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa? Findings indicate that the contribution of population size to social welfare depends on ethical considerations regarding the choice of a critical level above which a life is considered to be worth living. Length of life does not have a significant effect on social welfare prior to the demographic transition. The demographic growth in sub-Saharan Africa may not only increase average living standards but may also raise overall social welfare.

Research Outputs:

Duclos, Jean-Yves & Housseini, Bouba. (2013). Life Quantity, Life Quality and Longevity: An Intertemporal Social Evaluation Framework (CIRPEE Working Paper 13-15).

Housseini, Bouba. (2014). Essays on Demographic Changes, Health and Economic Development (Doctoral Dissertation). Université Laval, Québec, Canada.