PRECONDITIONS FOR A POPULATION-POLICY IN BOTSWANA

Botswana is generally regarded as a model of economic growth and democ racy in Africa, but like other countries in the region, is faced with rapid population increase: An annual growth rate of 3% threatens to un dermine rising living standards. Nevertheless, a population policy is not a high priority within the government In spite of Botswana's well- developed health infrastructure, low infant mortality and high literac y rate, other conditions are needed for implementation of an effective population policy. Favorable attitudes among the people toward smalle r family sizes and a commitment among political leaders to long-term p olicies may not presently be strong enough, and socioeconomic problems related to rapid population growth may not be extreme enough, to prom pt the government to take definite action.