Abstract: The publication is divided into three sections. It is designed to lay the foundation for further discussion and the articulation of a targeted action research agenda which addresses both the knowledge gaps and the policy and programming needs of the region in this field of development. Also available from: UNICEF Namibia Information Centre, P.O. Box 1706, Windhoek. Tel: +264 61 204 6275, E-mail: gkolling@unicef.org.