Nowhere else in the world, population growth is as fast as in West Africa: It is estimated that by 2050, the population in West Africa will almost double from 402 million to 797 million people. That means: More people will compete for jobs, for good education, for health care or simply for vital goods. If governments in the region fail to give their people a perspective, many will never enjoy the chance to live a self-determined life. In this situation, hope for socio-demographic change may come, according to a new study, from actors who have long been seen as obstacles to family planning: religious organisations. Their representatives enjoy great trust in West Africa and their advice on sensitive issues such as the number of children a woman should have or on sexuality in general is important.

Check out the whole study here.