fairs seems to be changing. According to the results of the 1979 review of population trends and policies carried out by the United Nations in pursuance of one of the recommendations of the Conference, 26 African Governments (52 per cent) considered their population growth rates acceptable, 8 ( 16 per cent) desired a higher rate and 16 (32 per cent) desired a lower rate. Even among the majority, many (including Madagascar, Nigeria and Sier­ ra Leone) still regarded rapid population growth as a brake on development in various spheres. Nany also 1 acked a proper data­ base which would assist them in formulating policies. Only Egypt, Ghana and Kenya had quantitative targets for the reduction of population growth. Egypt intended to reduce its population growth rate from 2.06 per cent to 1.06 per cent between 1973 and 1980. Ghana reported a long-term target of a reduction from 3.9 per cent to 1.8 per cent between 1973 and 2000. Kenya planned a reduction from 3.3 to 3.0 per cent between 1974 and 1979. 11. Most of the 16 countries with an explicit objective of reducing their population growth rates have national family plan­ ning programmes. This represents a marked change of attitude: in the past, many African Governments did not want to be too closely identified with family planning, wnich was held to be opposed to African traditions. · 132 E/ECA/CM.9/5 12. Family planning programmes are relatively new, und it would be premature to try to assess their effectiveness ~ reduc­ ~g population growth rates. One of the most important obstacles is the lack of significant progress towards modern iz.at ion of the society. The critical question is whether family planning will be adopted and practised by a significant proportion of the population in the absence of basic economic and social chunges. 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the population growth rates in African countries and their desire to reduce these rates. It highlights the efforts of some countries to implement family planning programs and the challenges they face in achieving this goal. The text does not explicitly mention economic development, but the population growth rates and family planning programs are likely to have an impact on the economy.

**Category**
Health, Education