Teacher allocation and utilization in Africa

The aim of this working paper is to outline the current situation with regard to teacher allocation and utilization  in  the  education  systems  of  African  countries.  It examines current  teacher  allocation practices (over-allocation, shortages, disparities), procedures currently used by countries to determine teacher needs and the way in which education authorities address them. This paper also looks into the hurdles which prevent the achievement of equitable allocation. Finally, it raises questions worthy of debate so  as to  provide  key  information  to  policy  makers,  and  which  are  useful to  consider  when undertaking any attempt to amend teacher allocation procedures.