In recent years, several developing economies in East Africa have prioritized educational expansion as a cornerstone of their long-term development strategies. Investment in basic literacy is often considered a prerequisite for improving broader human development outcomes, including public health and productivity.
Development is typically assessed using multi-dimensional measures like the Human Development Index (HDI). Table 1 shows data on two key indicators of development for selected East African countries in 2022.
Table 1: Adult literacy rate and life expectancy at birth in selected East African countries (2022)
| Country | Adult literacy rate (%) | Life expectancy at birth (years) |
|---|---|---|
| South Sudan | 34.8 | 55.6 |
| Somalia | 41.0 | 56.4 |
| Ethiopia | 51.8 | 65.0 |
| Burundi | 68.4 | 61.8 |
| Rwanda | 73.2 | 66.1 |
| Uganda | 79.0 | 63.7 |
| Kenya | 82.6 | 62.1 |
Using Table 1, explain the relationship between the adult literacy rate and life expectancy.
