Age And Sex Characteristics Of The Population Of Zimbabwe: An Analysis Based On The 1982 Census

The paper aims to examine the age and sex structure of the population of Zimbabwe, based on an analysis of the 1982 census data. A study of the population based on the 1982 census was carried out by Zinyama and Whitlow (1986), but this was mainly concerned with spatial changes over time. This paper examines the vertical distribution of the population, that is its age and sex structure, at various sub-national levels and the factors that determine these vertical variations. Reference to the spatial distribution pattern is made only where this aids in the explanation of the vertical age-sex variations. The paper is divided into four main sections. The first part examines some of the theoretical issues involved in age-sex structure analysis. The second and third sections discuss variations in the age and sex structure of the population of Zimbabwe by provinces and local administrative units, respectively, as revealed in the 1982 census data. The final section investigates the socio-economic implications of the current age-sex structure in the light of the development policies of the government.