Quality of Life and the Fundamental Issues to be Addressed in West African Countries

Abstract

The study identifies policy issues related to five main determinants of quality of life in 13 West African countries from 1970-2016, using the panel fully modified ordinary least square approach. Findings reveals that healthcare outcome through high mortality rate have inversely affected quality of life due to increase in poor access to primary healthcare. Similarly, overuse of environmental factors and resulting environmental protection measures deny a lot of people their means of livelihood, and worsen the quality of life. Furthermore, growing income inequality and poor access to high quality seeds and feeds, promote food insecurity in the region; thus, devaluing quality of life. The results also Indicated that higher income has the tendency to promote individuals’ level of happiness and self-fulfilment in West Africa. Likewise, effects from natural resource utilisation on quality of life was positive. Supporting the notion that revenue from natural resources were relied upon by West African countries to enhance quality of life. Hence, sustained improvement in primary health care provision; diversification of FDI inflows from resource-seeking to knowledge-seeking sectors; shrinking income inequality; and genuine commitment to using natural wealth revenues for progressive spending are considered imperative for quality of life policy efficiency in West Africa.

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