Geography

Key unit competence:

By the end of this unit, I should be able to discuss the problems of the population

growth in the world and the ways of controlling it; explain the impacts of early sex,

HIV/ Aids, health risks and STDS on the world’s population.

Introductory activity

Population is one of the main complex issues in geography; its study is essential for

proper national planning in relation to the provision of social services to the people. In

general, today there is fear that the rate at which the population is increasing presents

great challenges to the world resources.

1. Explain the term “population” and its related concepts.

2. Discuss the factors influencing the population distribution in any area.

3. Compare and contrast the population problems in developed and developing

countries.

4. Describe the population policies that should be taken by the world countries

to control such a rapid population growth.

10.1. Human diversities

Learning activity 10.1

The world population is composed of billions of people from different countries,

speaking different languages, praying from different churches and having different

cultures. This makes what geographers call “human diversity” in the World.

1. Referring to the statement above explain the following concepts:

(i) Human diversity

(ii) Race

(iii) Languages

(iv) Religion

(v) Culture

Population

The term refers to the number of people living in an area at a given period. The

study of population growth, density, distribution and movement is referred to as

demography

Human diversity 

This is a term used to mean the existence of a wide kind of human beings with distinctive or distinguishing characteristics such as race, languageand political divisionwhich form different ethnic groups of people.This means that individuals are unique, and it is very important to recognize our individual differences. These can be along the dimension of race, religion, language and state.

10.1.1. Race 

The term race refers to the similarities of genetic patterns among the aggregates of individuals of human populations. Race clearly expresses the varying genetic patterns expressed in the physical traits of human species. Races can be differentiated based on the following aspects:

– Hair types: People’s hairs also differ. Some have black hair such as the Africans,

others long and reddish hair suchas the Europeans and yet others have white,

short or brown hair.

– Skin colour: People of the world have different skin colours. For instance, in

Africa the majority of the people are black while others may be brown. In other

continents, people are white and others are red like the red Indians.

– Climatic factors: Races are also differentiated basing on climatic location. For

example, most people of the tropics are black and others though brown have

black hairs.

Generally, two types of classification of races have been identified. These include the

following:

a. Phenotypes: This is the classification criteria used while grouping or

classifying human population into groups basing on their physical

features.

b. Genotypes: This is also another classification technique used to classify

population into groups basing on genetic origin of their physical traits.

10.1.2. Religion

Religion refers to a unified system of beliefs and practices that join all those who

adhere to them into a single moral community. Indeed, religion is a unifying factor

for the people with the same religious beliefs. For instance, some religions encourage

people to join their religious affiliations or denominations. 

Religion greatly sets grouping of population into varying classifications entirely based on their set of beliefs. There are various religions of the world and they include the following: Christianity, Islami, Hinduism, Buddhism, and many others. The following figure 10.260 shows the portions of the main religions in the world.

                       

10.1.3. Languages

 This refers to any systematic method of communicating ideas, attitudes, or intent through the use of mutually understood signs, sounds, or gestures. The term language can also mean an organized system of spoken words by which people communicate with each other with mutual comprehension.

Various groups of people speak different languages. For instance, people in Rwanda speak Kinyarwanda, those of Burundi speak Kirundi, Kenyans speak Swahili, Ugandans speak Luganda and other languages etc. There are local languages spoken by a group of people within a country as well as national and international languages. Some people speak more than one language. The language acts as unifying factor that plays an important role inbringing people together. The languages can be classified according to the number of speakers as it is presented below:

10.1.4. States

 A state refers to a nation or territory considered as an organized political community under one government. In this case, a state is taken as a country. Nevertheless, in some cases a state is different from a country in political organizational structures based on federalism. A good example is the United States of America where a country is made up of union of 50 states. State expresses merely the actual organization of the legislative or judicial powers, i.e. people permanently occupying a fixed territory bound together by common habits and custom into one body.States have independent governments that administer them and control the people who are the registered citizens of them. In 2017, the independent countries in the world were evaluated at 195, including South Sudan, which is the youngest country that got its autonomy recently. However, there are countries made of many states such asthe USA, India, and the United states of Arabs, the United Republic of Tanzania etc. The African continent is composed of 55 countries with South Sudan inclusive.

Application activity 10.1 

1. With typical examples from Africa, identify and describe the religions operating on the continent. 

2. Examine the main aspects considered in differentiating the types of races.

10.2. World population distribution

10.2.1. Population density

The world population distribution describes how people are spread out across the globe. The population is not spread evenly. Some locations are sparsely populated while others are densely populated. Arid regions or areas associated with rugged reliefs have low population while others are completely unsettled. The world locations with flatter land, good soils and mild climate (for example the Ethiopian highlands and the Nile valley in Egypt) are more densely populated.

Population distribution is the spread of the people across the world. It describes the pattern of where people live. There are places which are sparsely, moderately and denselypopulated.

Population density is a measurement of the number of the people in an area. It is an average number. Population density is calculated by dividing the number of people by area. Population density is usually shown as the number of the people per square kilometer. The World population distribution includes the following categories:

(i) The densely populated areas:

These are the regions with more than 100 people per square kilometer:

– East and south East Asia: This region includes countries like Singapore, China,

India, Bangladesh, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and Taiwan.

– Central and Western Europe: This includes countries like Germany, the United

Kingdom, France, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands.

– The Caribbean countries: These include Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba,

West Indies and El -Salvador, Eastern USA and south eastern Canada.

– Nile valley and delta which is located in Egypt.

(ii) The moderately populated areas:

These are the regions which have between 25 and 100 persons per square km. They are usually dominated by agricultural occupations and typical examples include Australia, Brazil, USA, Argentina and Chile etc.

(iii) The sparsely populated areas: 

The sparsely populated areas are the regions with few people per square kilometre. They include Sahara, Atacama, Kalahari and Australian deserts. There is also sparse population in the high mountain ranges; for example: the Himalayas, the Rockies, the Andes, the Alps and the dense forests of equatorial regions in the Amazon, Congo and the outlying islands of Indonesia.

10.2.2. Factors responsible for the distribution of population in the World 

The population of the world in general is unevenly distributed. This is attributed to a number of factors. These factors include the following:

– Reliable and adequate Rainfall: There is a close relationship between the areas

of high rainfall and the population distribution. Areas that receive high and

reliable rainfall over 1500 mm attract high population densities because they

are suitable for the agriculture.

– Soils: Areas blessed with fertile soils encourage the growth of a variety of

crops; hence food and employment. This explains why such areas attract many

people.

– Pests and diseases: Areas associated with pests such as tsetse flies and ticks

discourage the settlement. Many people fear to live in areas known for their

pests since they cause diseases like trypanasomiasis and East coast fever that

discourage farming and settlement in some areas. Such places are therefore

sparsely populated. Good examplesareBunyoro and Miombo woodland areas

(in Uganda and Tanzania respectively).

– Altitude: This refers to the height of the land above the sea level. Altitude has

an influence on the population distribution. Example from 2700 m above the

sea level, temperatures are extremely cold, which discourages the settlement.

There is also severe soil erosion at this altitude.

– Vegetation: The natural vegetation of an area is also an important influencing

factor on the population distribution. Dense forests, bush land, deserts and

swamps are unfavourable areas for the settlement; while grasslands are easy

to settle, thus capable of attracting high population densities.

– Relief: The rugged areas or mountainous landscapes discourage the settlement.

For instance, the rift valley and lowlands, especially along the rivers, are

unfavourable for human settlement; while some gentle sloping areas are easy

to work and build and hence attract more people.

– Slave trade that led to the depopulation of various areas of origin and led to

increased population to the areas where slaves were taken.

– Migrations: The internal migration such as rural-urban migration leads to

an increase in population in urban areas, and the rural-rural migration may

influence the population distribution too. The influx of refugees from other

countries results in increased population in the receiving countries. For

example, the Northern part of Uganda has had its population increased as a

result of the refugees from SouthSudan.

– Civil wars: This is one of the serious factors that have influenced the population

distribution on the African continent and the world at large. Countries such

as South Sudan, Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have had

their population reduced because of civil upheavals. In some countries tribal

clashes push people away from their homelands to other places. For example

in some parts of Kenya´s Rift Valley Region.

– Government policies: Some areas may have reduced population because of

the government policies prevailing. Land is set aside for the establishment of

national parks or the construction of dams, whereas some policies such as the

establishment of irrigation schemes in dry lands or settlement schemes lead

to the population increase.

– Industrialization: Industrial towns like Nairobi, Kigali, Kampala and Kinshasa

have large industrial establishments producing chemicals, foodstuff, plastics

and textiles which attract people for paid employment, hence a high

population. However, their demarcated areas for theindustrial establishment

may result in thedisplacement of people.

– Energy resources and minerals:Energy resources and minerals attract people

to settle in a given area. Minerals like coal in their prime age have greatly

influenced the pattern of population distribution in countries like Great Britain,

France, and Germany. This is because of the employment opportunities that

are created and other social benefits or advantages.

– Historical factors:Areas that were occupied by kingdoms, especially thosenear

the King’s palaces, attracted a high population due to security. For example,

the central part of Uganda where the population is high, the large population

is attributed to the presence of the king’s palace that marked a centre of

attraction to many people.

– Economic factors. The economic viability of an area lies in its carrying capacity

and its ability to provide employment opportunities. This in turn affects not

only the size of the population but also its spacing. A specific economic system

tends to arrange people in a specific distributional pattern.

– Transport and communication:The establishment of roads, railways and

communication lines attract dense population due to theaccessibility of the

area.

– Political factors:Political factors have a great influence on thepopulation

distribution and density in different areas. For example, countries that are

politically stable attract a high population, whereas political instability in some

countries can cause thepopulation displacement and migrations.

– Demographic factors:The changes in the distribution and density of

thepopulation in the world take place through variations in the rate of natural

increase (fertility and mortality rates). Developing countries that have a

high birth rate will always have a high population growth leading to a high

population density.

– Natural hazards and disasters:Areas known to be prone to earthquakes,

landslides, volcanic eruptions, floods, glacial advances, storms, epidemics, fire,

and severe droughts discourage thesettlementand will therefore have sparse

population than theregions that are free from such challenges. 

Application activity 10.2

1. With the aid of a drawn sketch population map of the world, identify the

densely and sparsely populated areas.

2. Explain factors controlling population distribution in Rwanda.

10.3. Population concepts and related effects 

10.3.1. Optimum population

Learning activity 10.3

 Worldwide, areas with favourable climatic conditions, abundant natural and water sources, fertile soils, social amenities, security and political stability tend to pull people to settle there and, therefore, being over crowded areas. On the other hand, areas with unfavourable climatic conditions, infertile soils, poor drainageand limited social facilities tend to limit population settlement, hence being less populated areas.

1. Why is under population undesirable in a country?

2. Referring to the above passage, explain the following population concepts:

– Optimum Population

– Under population

– Overpopulation

The term optimum population refers to a situation where the resources available can satisfactorily support the existing population in a state of equal balance and sustainability. This takes place where the population and the resources are equal. Optimum population is considered as one that lies within the limits, large enough to realize the potentialities of human creativity to achieve a life of high quality for all the inhabitants, without affecting the existing ecosystems.

In other words, the optimum population can be regarded as that state of equilibrium between the population and the resources, which satisfies the well-defined needs of all the members of a community and which varies both in time and space.

The following are the major characteristics of the optimum population:

– The optimum level is that size of the population which yields the highest

quality of life. A life described by adequate food supplies, energy, water and

other social facilities that are enough to satisfy the needs of people.

– The presence of the highest per capita output characterised by the marginal

productivity of the labour exceeding the average productivity and where the

rates of growth to the total production are the highest.

– The availability of enough employment opportunities. That is, where every

person fit to work is able to find a job.

– Having a very low dependency ration that is not over-burdening the working

class or straining the national budget. 

The basic criteria for assessing the optimum population include: per capita production, average standard of living, degree of employment, longevity of life, dependency ratio, social harmony, family stability, attainment of knowledge, growth of purely intellectual functions, per capita food consumption, proportion of expenditure on food, rationality of land use, balanced demographic structure and rational development of resources.

10.3.2. Under population 

Under population is a situation whereby the size of the population is small in relation to the available resources of the country. It is a situation where the size of the population is below the available resources, hence they under-utilize the available resources.

(i) Positive effects of under population

The following are positive effects of under population:

– No Congestion: A country with less population experiences little or no

congestion.

– Employment opportunities as a result of the small size of the population.

There will be enough job opportunities for the people.

– Increase in social and infrastructural facilities: an under populated country

experiences higher production per capita (in terms of social and infrastructural

facilities available to the people in the country).

– Availability of idle resources: The fact that a country is less populated means

that the resources available in that country are higher than the number of

people. Hence, many idle resources would abound everywhere.

– Low pressure on social amenities: Owing to the low population, there is also

low pressure on the social amenities in the area.

 (ii) Negative effects of under population

The following are negative effects of under population:

– Underutilization of resources: Resources are highly underutilized in a country

with low population. This means that the resources will not be economically

utilized.

– Shortage of enough people to defend the country: At times of war and

emergency, a country might find it difficult to mobilize enough people to

defend itself.

– Shortage of labour force: This is one of the effects of under population. The

shortage of labour force results in failure to exploit the available natural

resources, capital stock and technology.

– Lack of specialization: Under population makes specialization impossible.

As the supply of labour is limited, specialization and rationalization schemes

cannot be undertaken.

– Low per capita income: The underutilization of resources in the under

populated countries leads to a low per capita income.

10.3.3. Overpopulation 

This refers to a situation where the number of existing human population exceeds the carrying capacity of the country or an area.The economic development of a country depends largely on the quantity and quality of the population. Therefore, when there is over population, resources become scarce and other negative effects set in. Such a situation reduces the quality of life and the government spends much addressing the social challenges instead of developing the economy. The following are the effects of overpopulation:

– Food shortage: Overpopulation results in food shortage. This is one of the

serious effects associated with overpopulation. It becomes too costly to

purchase the food stuffs because of high demand.

– Unemployment: The excessive population leads to massive unemployment.

This results from the lack of proper economic development, since much is

spent on solving the social challenges such as birth control and the purchase

of medicine among others.

– Fall in the efficiency of labour: When the population increases after a particular

stage, the number of labour also increases. As a result, each labour gets fewer

amounts of capital and this leads tothe fall in the efficiency of labour.

– Increase in dependents: Overpopulation implies the increase in population

beyond a particular level. Birth rate increases due to overpopulation. The

size of the working population becomes less when compared to the size of

the children and old-aged persons. As the dependence ratio increases,it

undermines the future investments since the working class spend every

income they get to sustain people that depend on them. Therefore, little is

saved.

– Pressure on the land increases: The excessive population brings pressure on

land. As a result, the marginal productivity of the additional labourers is zero.

Eventually, the average productivity of labour and land remains less.

– Decline in standards of living: Over population leads to the shortage of the

necessary or essentials of life. There occurs the shortage of foodstuffs, scarcity

of houses, spread diseases, uncontrolled migrations and high cost of living. All

result in a decline in the standards of living of the people.

– Inflation: The overpopulation results in the growth of inflationary conditions in

the country. As the output and productivity in different sectors fall, and as the

demand for various goods and services increases, prices of goods and service

rise up.

– Limited transport: This is increased pressure on transport and communication

facilities or services. It leads to the wastage of time and in some cases business

becomes stagnantly developed. The funds that would be used to establish

new roads, railway lines and other related services are used to cater for urgent

challenges such as the control of diseases, crime cases etc.

– Limited educational facilities: Over population results in the lack of financial

resources to invest in education due to the ever-growing population.

– Over exploitation of natural resources. There is over utilization of the resources

of all kinds. This results in the depletion of some resources and forests are

cleared too. The swamp and wet lands are reclaimed. All these put together

result in environmental degradation.

– Housing facilities: The overcrowding results in the development of slummy

areas and their associated evils such as immorality and drug use.

– Diseases: The overpopulation leads to the congestion and easy spread of

disease such as dysentery, cough, cholera and others.

Application activity 10.3

1. Basing on the examples of Rwanda; discuss the effects of over

population to the economic development of a country.

2. With clear examples, identify thenegative effects of under population. 

10.4. Population problems of developed and developing countries

Learning activity 10.4 

Read and analyse the passage below:

 The developed countries are characterized by high levels of industrialization and urbanization, high per capita income, dependence of a major part of the workforce on secondary and tertiary activities, and an efficient and productive agricultural sector. Unlike developing countries which are characterized by low level of technology, low level of skilled labour, poor infrastructures, low level of industrialization, low income per capital etc.

Referring to the above passage:

 (a) Explain the characteristics of developed countries.

 (b) Explain the challenges faced by population in developing countries.

10.4.1. Population problems of developed countries and their solutions

The developed countries experience various challenges in relation to their

population as indicated below:

– High proportion of old age population: As the birth rate is low, the proportion

of younger people in the population is relatively small. The low death rate and

high life-expectancy mean that there is an ever-increasing proportion of older

people in the population. Many retire from active work in their sixties and then

become dependent on the working population. The provision of pensions

and other facilities, e.g. extra health services, for elderly people pose financial

problems.

– Shortage of labour: The improved standards of education has resulted

in children remaining longer at school and joining the workforce later. This

implies that there will be slow expansion of the workforce. In addition, the

low population growth leads to the shortage of labour force. As a result, many

countries of Europe face the shortage of labour. High wage rates disrupt the

overall economic pattern.

– Congestion in towns: The increased expansion of urbanization has caused

high pressure on the civic amenities, transport, housing etc. The effects of this

(pollution and social tensions) lead to heart diseases, breathing problems,

lung and skin problems etc.

– Development of slum areas: The unregulated growth of urbancentres leads to

the growth of slums, which creates many social and environmental problems.

The highly productive agricultural land is encroached by urban houses, roads

and industries. 

– Rural depopulation: Towns provide amenities such as shops, entertainment

and better social serviceswhich cannot be matched in the country districts;

and the employment is usually easier to find in urban areas. This has influenced

the rural youth to migrate to urban centres, yet these would be the ones to

develop the rural economy. There is stagnant rural economy.

– Congestion in towns: There increased expansion of urbanization which has

caused high pressure on the civic amenities, transport, housing etc. the effects

of this such as pollution and social tensions lead to heart diseases, breathing

problems, lung and skin problems etc.

– Development of slums areas: The unregulated growth of urban - centres leads

to growth of slums, which creates many social and environmental problems.

The highly productive agricultural land is encroached by urban houses, roads

and industries.

– Rural depopulation: Towns provide amenities such as shops, entertainment

and better social services, which cannot be matched in country districts,

and employment is usually easier to find in urban areas. This has influenced

the rural youth to migrate to urban centers, yet these would be the ones to

develop the rural economy. There is stagnant rural economy.

The following are some of thesolutions to the problems of thepopulation in developed countries:

developed countries:

– Most developed countries are now encouraging and promoting vertical

expansion through setting up skyscrapers.

– Federal and state governments continue to invest many capital and skilled

resources in thedevelopment of social infrastructures and housing facilities.

– Most developed countries like USA continue to strengthen theirimmigration

operations worldwide as a means of controlling illegal immigrants entering

the country.

10.4.2. Population problems in the developing countries and their solutions

The developing countries experience various challenges in relation to

population as indicated below: 

– Low levels of technological development: This is directly linked to low

productivity levels in the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, South East Asia and

Latin America. Low productivity refers to the slow economic growth, which is

the root cause of rapid population growth in these countries.

– Low standard of living: This is the strange case of many countries having

abundant natural resources but lie untapped economically. In such countries

poverty remains an active descriptor of their economies. 

– Rapid population growth: This is because of improved health facilities and

reduced mortality rates. This younger section puts tremendous pressure on a

comparatively small working population.

– Lack of diversification of economy: The lack of development of secondary and

tertiary sectors leaves limited employment opportunities for the skilled and

educated people. These most commonly move to more developed towns or

to foreign countries in search for better job opportunities.

– Under-nourishment and lack of hygiene: Due to low standards of living, the

incidence of diseases is high, leading to high rates of mortality especially

among the children and pregnant mothers.

– Inefficient agricultural sector: The developing countries are characterized

by the subsistence agriculture with traditional and backward methods of

production leading low productivity.

– Weak industrial base: The lack of capital, out-dated technology and inadequate

skilled work force have resulted in a weak industrial base in most of the

developing countries. This has prevented any substantial improvement in the

living standards of the populations of these countries.

– Tradition-bound societies: The inward looking attitudes restrict the flow of

awareness as regards birth control, family planning etc. Standing systems

inhibit the social mobility in different societies.

– Unfavourable physical conditions: Many of the under populated countries

have hostile climatic or topographical conditions. Such conditions obstruct

the development and it is both difficult and expensive to overcome these

problems.

The following are some of the solutions to the problems of the population in the developing countries:

– Rehabilitation: An alternative to this scheme is to provide the residents of

shantytowns with the materials to improve their existing shelters. Residents

are also encouraged to set up community schemes to improve education and

medical service. For instance, Bolivia and Pakistan.

– Sewage rehabilitation: Several cities have been repairing water and sewerage

pipes and this improves the safety and quality of water in the city and reduces

mortality rates.

– Encouraging the population migration from urban areas to rural areas of the

same country. This is done through the beautification of rural areas.

– Setting up social - economic infrastructures such as education, health and

transport networks. 

– Through the modernization of agricultural sectors as a means of increasing

their productivity and output. That is the use of the best seeds and fertilizers

to boost agricultural output and check on the issue of food shortage.

– Family planning and education has helped in reducing the rapid population

growth.

– Government policy that aims at establishing house facilities, especially in town

areas, to improve on the housing facilities. 

Application activity 10.4

3. Compare and contrast the population problems associated with

developed and developing countries.

4. Referring to Rwanda, propose possible remedies to curb the problems

identified in (1) above. 

10.5. Population growth

Learning activity 10.5

Read the passage and provide answers to the questions that follow:

Population growth can be explained as the average annual percent change in the population, resulting from a surplus (or deficit) of births over deaths and the balance of migrants entering and leaving a country. The rate may be positive or negative. The growth rate is a factor in determining how great a burden would be imposed on a country by the changing needs of its people for infrastructures (e.g., schools, hospitals, housing, roads), resources (e.g., food, water, electricity), and jobs. Identify the factors that affect the rate of the population growth and explain why this is an important aspect in population studies of a given area.

Population growth rate: Population growth rate refers to the change in population over a unit time period, often expressed as a percentage of the number of individuals in the population at the beginning of that period. This can be calculated using the following formula:

A positive growth rate indicates that the population is increasing while a negative growth rate indicates that the population is decreasing.

10.5.1. Factors influencing birth rate

Birth rate is the total number of live births per 1000 in a population in a year or period of time.

Birth rate is influenced by different factors that include:

– Social and religious beliefs: for example, Islam allows polygamy and Catholics

do not support abortion.

– Economic prosperity: (although in theory when the economy is doing well

families can afford to have more children; in practice, the higher the economic

prosperity the lower the birth rate).

– Poverty levels: Children can be seen as an economic resource in developing

countries as they can earn money through dowry.

– High mortality rate: A family may have more children if a country’s mortality is

high. Families produce more since some are expected to die.

– Limited health facilities which limit easy accessibility to the use of family

planning techniques.

10.5.2. Factors influencing death rate

Death rate is defined as the ratio of deaths to the population of a particular area or during a particular period of time, usually calculated as the number of deaths per 1000 people in a given year.

                       

 Death rate is influenced by different factors as follows:

– Limited medical facilities and health care increases death rate.

– Low nutrition levels and poor feeding lead to malnutrition which results in

high death rate.

– Poor Living standards due to high poverty levels reduces the life span and

results in high death rate.

– Lack of clean drinking water that leads to easy contamination of contagious

diseases.

– Low level of hygiene caused by poor sanitation conditions, thus enhancing

death rate.

– Social factors such as conflicts and levels of violent crime. This leads to death

of many people unselectively.

– Wars in different countries have led to high rate of death. For instance,

Somalia, Southern Sudan, Nigeria, Syria and Afghanistan.

10.5.3. Factors influencing the rapid population growth

Below are some of the factors that could influence the rapid population growth rate:

– Improved health care which has reduced mortality rates by diagnosing health

problems in a timely manner. This includes also the use of vaccines which has

helped to prevent illnesses that used to kill many people in the past. As a result,

this has helped in saving the lives of many people.

– Introduction of better farming techniques. This has boosted the production

of food. In addition, efforts toward food security have been successfully

implemented in many countries. Areas that were associated with deaths

caused by drought and famine can now get enough food supply, thus saving

lives.

– Increase in the fight against poverty has also contributed to population

increase. In the past, only a few families had enough money to support

themselves while many faced various problems including health issues due to

poverty. Many homesteads are able to meet medical charges, which has saved

many lives.

– Immigration has also contributed in the population growth in developed

countries and urban centres. Many people immigrate to other countries in

search for better living standards. This has led to an increase of population in

many developed countries.

– Poor family planning in many families is one of the major causes of the high

population growth. Many families tend to have many children, and yet they

cannot support them.

– Children are regarded as a religious duty: Many people have the religious belief

that having children is regarded as a holy and religious duty of the married

couple.

– Malnutrition which caused many people to die every day. Parents are not sure

that all of the children can survive. Therefore, they want to give birth to as

many children as possible.

– Polygamy is also one of the causes of the population increase. A man gets

married to multiple women, and these women give birth to more babies. This

is associated with the cultural and traditional beliefs in developing countries.

– Cultural factors also may cause high birth rates. Many people do not want to

apply the measures of family planning. They think it is unholy to use family

planning measures to prevent conception. They believe that the birth of a child is a gift from God. Therefore, they do not want to stop births.

– The social and religious values and customs are mainly based on the traditional

attitudes of people. Parents do not get respect in the society if they have no

children, especially a son. It is the conservative belief that the son is necessary

to inherit the parental property, continue the family line and perform the

funeral rites.

– Artificial population increase. This arises from incoming migration of refugees.

In Africa, Latin America and Asia, the natural phenomena such as war, flooding,

famine and landslides, force many people to move to other places. Therefore,

these massively displace people causing a rapid increase in the population of

the receiving country.

– Level of education: Families that are educated prefer to have fewer children.

In addition, people take long at school and come out at about 25 years; this

lowers the reproductive and fertility rate than a person who dropped out of

school and married at 16 years.

10.5.4. Effects associated with rapid population growth

The following are some of the effects of the rapid population growth:

– Available facilities become insufficient for the growing population. It leads to

the falling of living standards.

– It is difficult to provide suitable employment opportunities for all. The result is

large-scale unemployment which also causes the living standards to decline

– Natural resources are over-utilized and their quality degrades. Eventually, they

are depleted.

– The environment is polluted and environmental problems occur.

– Crimes such as robbery, theft, murder and abduction increase and this leads to

the killing of people. In the struggle to search for better life, some people may

resort to stealing and breaking commercial banks.

– It will be more difficult to meet the basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing,

education and health services.

– If the population increases rapidly, there is unemployment problem in the

country.

– Due to the rapid population growth, there is deforestation for agriculture and

settlement since more land will be needed.

– Land shortage which results into land fragmentation, conflicts, food shortage

and famine.

– Heavy strain on government expenditure in the provision of social services and

others such as the importation of drugs and food to sustain the population.

– High population growth rate results in great dependency burden. This leads to the low saving of capital, low capital accumulation and low investments; which results in the slow economic development of a country.

10.5.5. Ways of controlling population growth

The following are some ways of controlling population growth:

– Family planning: Family planning is to ensure that a woman gets a child when

she actually wants one. It reduces accidental pregnancies and ensures a

controlled family size.

– Raising the level of education: Education particularly that of women is very

important in population control. Education changes the cultural beliefs and

attitudes of people.

– Increasing employment opportunities for women: As more women join career

jobs, they tend to be occupied by work. This limits the chances of having more

children.

– Increasing income: Increased income results in greater demand for durable

goods such as electronic goods, houses and furniture (instead of children). This

increases the expenditure for families, which may influence them to consider

the importance of having manageable family sizes.

– Increased security in old age: In some communities where children are regarded

as security in old age, the introduction of pension schemes, insurance schemes

and income for old people, can substitute as security for the old age. This can

be more effective if more efforts are made to ensure that more people join the

National Social Security Fund.

– Enacting child labour laws: Where children are regarded as suppliers of

labour, strict laws should be enforced to restrict the minimum age for child

employment. For instance, laws should be enacted to make it illegal for

anybody to employ a child below the age of 16.

– Balanced economic growth: This should be through the decentralization of

industries and other economic activities. It ensures better regional income

distribution and it removes pressure from a few urban centres. When people get

employed in such industries, they have limited time to spend at home,which

could assist in the creation of manageable family sizes. 

Application activity 10.5

1. With reference to specific examples, discuss the impacts of the

population growth on the environment.

2. Explain the appropriate population control measures that can be used

in Rwanda.

10 .6 Population structure and the composition

Population structure refers to the composition of the population of a region. It relates to the age and sex of the population. It shows the population structure of a given region. Population Pyramid: A population pyramid shows the age and sex structure of a country. In addition, it is a type of graph that is divided into males and females and then age groups in correspondence to their totals.

(i) Sex composition

Communities differ in sex composition,i.e. the composition of male and female. Sex ratio is an index linked with the socio-economic conditions of an area. It is an important tool for regional analysis. It has a profound effect on the demographic structure of a region. It is a function of three basic factors: sex ratio at birth, sex ratio at death and sex-selectivity among migrants.

The proportions of children and older persons have much to do with the balance of national expenditures on schools, childcare, immunization and reproductive health, as against the expenditure on old-age, social security systems and health care for chronic and degeneration diseases.

– Measurement of age structure:The age structure of a population can be

analysed in a number of ways. The most commonly used method is the one in

which the percentage of the population distribution in various age groups is

worked out.

– Age groups:Generally, the population is categorized into three broad age

groups; the young, the adults, and the old. Thus, the three broad age groups

that emerge are 0 to 14 (young), 15 to 59 (adults) and 60 and above (old).

– Age pyramids:One of the most commonly used methods of analysing age

composition is the age pyramid, which is commonly known as age and sex

pyramids. The age pyramids are constructed for portraying the age structure

of a population along their vertical axis. In such pyramids, age groups at a

regular interval ‘say 5 years’, starting from 0 to 4 and ending according to the

age structure of the population under review.

– The horizontal axis of such pyramids represents the total population or the

populations of males or females that are expressed in percentages. The

horizontal axis represents males and females separately. The pyramid is divided

vertically into two halves, the right side representing the females and the left

side catering for males.

                            

(iii) Active and inactive population

A distinction has often been made between the total population and the work force. While the total population refers to the entire population inhabiting the area, the work force consists of only those persons who could participate in economically gainful activities in the event of need.

Different countries classify the work force further into two-subcategories: The economically active population and the economically non-active population. The economically active population is that part of manpower which is actually engaged in the production of goods and services. It consists of both males and females.

The economically non-active population is that part of work force which is engaged in activities like household duties in their own homes or at the place of their relatives, retired personnel, inmates of institutions, students and those living on royalties, rents, dividends, pensions, etc.

(iv) Standard of living 

Standard of living is a grade or level of subsistence and comfort in everyday life enjoyed by a community, class, or individual. Thus, it is the degree of wealth and material comfort available to a person or community. Therefore, the developed countries have the higher standard of living compared to the developing countries.

(v) Education 

Education managers in developing countries are fighting for the young people to gain access to quality education and they further advocate for the acquisition of skills that provide the foundation for lifelong learning. More efforts are invested in programs that aim at ensuring that every child receives quality primary and secondary education. Many countries work hard to reduce the barriers or constraints that had existed for centuries between the education for boys and girls. The reduction of such gap targets has enabled the girl-child education.

A quality basic education gives children and youth the knowledge and skills they need to face their daily life challenges; whereby, empowering them to take advantage of the economic and lifelong learning opportunities. It is also a key driver for reducing poverty, fostering the economic growth, achieving gender equality and social development in developing countries.

Application activity 10.6

1. Explain why life expectancy is short in developing countries.

2. Compare and describe population pyramid of East Africa countries.

10.7 Population Policies in the World

Learning activity 10.7

Worldwide, each country comes up with its own policies that help in

controlling the rapid population explosion. One of those policies implemented

in developing countries (such as China)is regulating the number of children

per family.

a. Suggest any other policies that could be put in place to control the

rapid population growth in Africa.

b. Explain the effects of “one child per family” policy in a country where

it is applied. 

A population policy is defined as procedures taken by a country to adjust the way its population is changing, either by promoting large families or immigration to increase its size, or by encouraging the limitation of births to decrease the number of people living in the country.

To be effective, the population policies should address all the sources of the continuing population growth to a moderated rate, purposely to sustain the development of each country whether a developed or developing one.

10.7.1. Population policies in developed countries

 Provision of incentives and favourable conditions for big families. Several social

and economic measures have substantial effects on a desired family size.

– To encourage families to increase birth rates in order to get enough active

population.

– Provision of pensions and other facilities, e.g. extra- health services, for elderly

people.

– Increase the number of population to improve the utilization of facilities and

resources available in the country.

– Delayed marriage and child-bearing period as a way of addressing the needs

of young women.

– Continuing improving thegirl child education and educational attainment

for all, specifically among girls. The availability of mass education changes the

value placed on large families and encourages parents to invest in fewer but

“higher-quality” children

10.7.2. Population policies in developing countries

The developing countries face numerous challenges related to big families due to the persistence of high fertility and mortality, no access to contraceptive tools, poverty, early marriage and lack of education on the impact of population growth. Below is a detailed explanation of the population policies witnessed in developing countries:

 Improvement in population health through access to child health care

services, contraceptive measures and sterilization.

– Eradication of mass epidemic diseases through improving the living standards

of the population.

– Family planning as a dominant component of the population policies and

integrating in schools’ curriculum the avoidance of early marriage.

– Investing in women and providing them with economic prospects and social

identities apart from motherhood. Improvement in the socio-economic and

legal status of girls and women in general are likely to increase their bargaining

power in the decision making. This gives them a stronger voice in family

reproductive and productive decisions.

– Assisting mothers to become economically productive by enabling them to

have enough time in their professional work.

10.7.3. Effects of population policies on population growth

The effects of population policies on the population growth will result in the following:

– The decline of both birth and death rates will lead to the occurrence of

an ageing and (economically) non-active population. This has undesired

economic implications.

– Some of the population policies create ground for the resources to be in the

hands of the few, who are rich.

– There will be an increase in literacy and educational levels and high levels of

specialization.

– There will be stagnation in the population growth and therefore, there will be

less young people in the society to supply the required labour.

Application activity 10.7

 Referring to population problems in Rwanda, describe the population policies that have been adopted by the government to deal with such problems.

10.8. Impact of early sex, health risks, HIV/Aids, STDs in the world

Learning activity 10.8

Read the passage below and use it to answer the questions that follow:

World AIDS day takes place on the 1st December each year. It’s an opportunity for people worldwide to be united in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to remember those who have died from AIDSrelated illnesses. Founded in 1988, World AIDS day was the first ever-global health day. Having sexual intercourse at a very early age, especially during adolescence can affect your health. It can have a negative impact on your physical as well as psychological health. Sexual intercourse at an early age can have a longlasting effect on your body.

1. What do you learn from the above passage?

2. dentify the diseases mentioned in the above passage and discuss their

impacts on the society.

3. Describe the ways in which the mentioned disease is spread?

4. Referring to the passage above, explain the term “early sex”.

5. Explain the effects of having sexual intercourse at an early age.

10.8.1. Causes of Early Sex

1. Peer pressure

Many young people feel great pressure from other teenagers to become sexually active. They do not want to be different or be rejected by their friends.

2. Pressure from a partner

For many young people it is difficult to say “NO” especially to someone they care about and this leads to early engagement in sexual activity.

 3. Sexual attraction 

Hormones in the teenagers tend to be more active. This increases their urge and desire for sexual intercourse.

 4. Social and mass media pressure 

There is too much and a wide range of media and social communication ways that have become the perfect means of exchanging pornographic data. The youth begin to learn and witness sexual messages in movies, TV shows, magazine and in some countries billboards. All these put together arouse the sexual desire especially in young people.

5. Parental example of permissiveness

There are some parents who have a problem with the abuse of alcohol or drugs, and sex. They fail to control their sexual desires even when the children are present. This ends up planting bad seeds in the minds of the teenagers at an early age. To them, having sex becomes a normal practice regardless of age.

6. Improper execution of sex education programs or practices

Sex education programs are sometimes extended to the teenagers in a wrong manner with no professionalism at all. Sometimes when the teenagers are taught on how condoms are used; if the facilitator does not handle it well, he or she leaves the majority curious and wishing to practically exploit the new experience. On the other hand, in many homes and societies, sex education is a sensitive aspect. It could leave the children or teenagers to discover things on their own.

7. Alcohol and Drugs

 There is increasing misuse of drugs and alcohol by the teens and adults. The use of alcohol and drugs increases the drive for pleasure and increases the willingness to take risks by decreasingthe inhibitions and impairing good judgment. This has always resulted in making improper decisions.

Impact of early sex and possible prevention measures

The negative early sex affects the livelihood of the teens in the world as follows:

– Unwanted pregnancy at early age resulting in school dropouts and poor

school performance.

– Increase of infected people (by HIV/AIDS and other transmissible diseases).

– Increase of mortality rate which results in a smaller skilled population and

labour force.

– Poor cognitive development, social isolation and mental problems like anxiety

and depression.

– Increase of the population growth resulting in poor feeding, malnutrition and

the existence of street children.

Possible solutions to prevent early sex and related consequences:

– Sexual education should be incorporated in school curriculum to avoid early

age sex.

– Peer group awareness between the governmental and non-governmental

agencies, which should organise training on how to prevent unwanted and

early pregnancies.

– Promoting cultural clubs and discussions about sexual abstinence.

– Sensitize about sex abstinence by educating about the negative effects of sex intercourse 

– Use of condoms in times of lack of abstinence.

– Abstain from sexual activities or be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.

10.8.2. The impact of HIV/Aids and STDs on social economy development of country and possible prevention measures

HIV/AIDS is made of two abbreviations (HIV and AIDS). They stand for: HIV-Human Immune deficiency Virus and AIDS is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. HIV spreads primarily by having unprotected sex (including anal and oral sex), contaminated blood transfusion and hypodermic needles and from mother to child during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding; whereas STDs are sexually transmitted diseases. The methods of prevention include safe sex, needle discharge programs (disposing used needles/syringes), treatment of those who are infected, and male circumcision.

The impact HIV/Aids and STDs on social economy development of country

The following are the main impacts of HIV/Aids and STDs on social economic development:

– On the level of the household, AIDS causes the family members to spend all their income on healthcare. The people who would be working and supporting the family members become bed-laden, yet the medical expenses accumulate and the end result is terrible poverty. Children fail to go to school since much of the money is used for healthcare and the funerals.

– Reducing the resources available for public expenditures such as education and health services. That is, there is increased pressure on the state’s fund since such diseases must be eradicated or contained to moderate or controllable levels. Such affects the economic development of the country.

– The tax base is reduced since there are increased expenditures by the homesteads. Much money is spent on treating the sick and looking after AIDS and STDs orphans.

– The increased mortality in the regions affected by HIV/Aids results in the occurrence of a smaller skilled population and labour force.

– If the economic conditions are not good, a person with HIV/AIDS or STDs may decide to become a sex trade worker to earn more money. As a result, more people become infected with HIV/AIDS or other STDs.

– Poverty increases as a result of HIV/AIDS. This has undesired impact on the productivity and it is worsened by the loss of the lives of the economically productive members of the society. In general, HIV/AIDS adversely affectsthe production and the productivity in all the sectors of the economy, most notably agriculture, manufacturing and service industry.

– Considering the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and their roleespecially in food production, food security and export, it could create the risks of having malnutrition and undernourishment. 

– HIV/AIDS morbidity and mortality have affected negatively the efficiency and effectiveness of the labour force in various work places. It is a result of increased absenteeism, increased staff turnover, loss of skills and experienced staff, and the declining of staff morale. Thus, it lowers the productivity of the labour.

Possible HIV/AIDS and STDs prevention measures

– Get tested and treated. It is very important that your partner is also tested and treated.

– Use a new condom for every act of sexual intercourse throughout the entire sex act (from start to end). – Wrap the condom in a tissue and throw it in the trash where others won’t handle it.

– Have less risky sex. HIV is mainly spread by having sex without a condom.

– Limit your number of sexual partners. The more partners one has, the more he is likely to have a partner with HIV or whose HIV is not well controlled or a partner with sexually transmitted diseases.

– Do not engage in unprotected sex unless you know your partner is not infected with HIV or STD.

– Do not have sex with people who use intravenous (IV) drugs.

Application activity 10.8

(1) Discuss the impact of HIV/AIDS and STDs on the economic development of a country

(2) Assume that you are appointed as a specialist in charge of epidemic diseases and prevention in the Ministry of Health.

Propose the possible prevention measures that should be taken by the Ministry of Health to control HIV/AIDS and STDs in the country.

10.9. Migration

Migration is the movement of people from one place to another with the intentions

   Learning activity 10.9

When her husband left her alone with four children, Amina decided to leave her home country of Nigeria to seek a better life for her family. Unfortunately, Amina and her children felt victims to one of the smuggling networks that operate between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Gulf. They were held captive for three months by a gang which tried to get money from Amina’s family. Eventually, after a dramatic rescue, Amina and her children were referred to IOM Yemen’s Migrant Assistance and Protection team. They are now receiving food, water and shelter. Thanks to IOM’s assistance.

1. Identify the type of migration explained in the above passage.

2. With reference to the passage above, explain the causes of migration.

Migration is the movement of people from one place to another with the intentions of settling permanently or temporarily in a new location.

10.9.1. Types of migration

There are various types of migration. It is very important to note that migration has often been classified into various categories or types. Below is a detailed description of the main types of migration:

Internal migration: This is the movement of people within the country. It is further subdivided into rural-urban, urban-rural, rural-rural, urban-urban migrations.

International migration: This is the movement of people from one country to another. For example, if a person leaves Rwanda and settles in the USA, this type of migration will be called international migration or external migration. In this case, the Rwandan society will refer to him or her as an emigrant while in the USA he or she will be classified as an immigrant.  Immigration is the coming of people from one country to another or leaving one place such as a village to another.

On the other hand, emigration occurs when people leave their mother countries or a place of residence to another. In the example used above, the act of leaving Rwanda and settling in USA, within the country of origin the situation will be known as emigration. It is very important to note that, an emigrant is the out-going person that has migrated to another place or country.

Permanent migration: This is the type of migration that involves the movement of people from one place to another without theintention of coming back to the source area.

Temporary migration: This type of migration involves the movement of people or person from one place to another but with the hope of returning back to the source area.

Voluntary migration: This is when people move from one place to another out of their own will without being forced. It is their choice to move.

Involuntary migration: This is when people are forced to move from the areas of origin. The good example is the refugees who are forced to leave their homeland because of the war.

10.9.2. Causes of migration

The following are some main causes/factors of migration:

– Technology factors:The people may move to places where there is advanced and more sophisticated technology. This is one of the common causes of migration in developing countries, where the influx of people go to the developed world.  

– Economic reason: The lust (desire) for virgin lands for cultivation, the depressed economic resources from the motherlands, force people to migrate. This is because people want to settle in the area where the conditions reflecting the economic prosperity offer greater employment potential or opportunities.

– Underemployment and unemployment: These force people mostly the youth to leave their homes to the places and countries where the employment opportunities are abundant. 

– Overpopulation: An excess of the population in an area in relation to the resources and technology available is known as overpopulation, and it can force people to migrate to another area in their search for virgin places.

– Social and religious causes: The human desire to stay, work and enjoy life with the people of his or her ethnic, social and religious groups, is also an important cause of migration.

– Political policies: There are policies established by the government such as the construction of a given infrastructural facility in a given area,which may result in forcing people to leave and resettle somewhere else for the erection of this large-scale public system. Example: the establishment of the New Airport in Bugesera, in Rwanda´s Eastern Province, where homesteads were paid and resettled in other places.

– Peer influence: Some people may move from one place to another as a result of influence friends or relatives. This is the main cause of migrations amongst the youth.

– General rise in the aspiration: People move from one place to another in search for employment opportunities. This is usually concerned with the working class or professionals who are always in search for better opportunities, jobs with high salaries and working conditions.

   – Wars: This factor has caused many people to move from one place to another in search for peace and security. People are migrating to Europe from Libya, Syria and Southern Sudan among others. War has been an important cause of human migration. For instance, the two world wars I&II. World War I (19141919) displaced six million people and World War 2 (1939-1945) displaced 16 million people.

  – Love for adventure: There are people who are naturally interested inadventuring new places. Having holidays or recreation in distant and new places; for instanceEuropeans coming to Africa (Rwanda and East Africa).

10.9.3. The effects of migration in the world

There are both positive and negative to areas of origin (source are) and destination (Receiving area) of migrants. They include the following:

Positive effects to areas of destination

– Simplifies easy exchange of ideas among people of different countries such as religious beliefs, technology, culturalvalues etc. which are essential for the development of the country.

– Provision of cheap labour force to the receiving areas. For example, immigrants in the UK and Japan provide Low-priced labour, thus adding to the growth of industry, agriculture and service sectors.

– Migrants provide security, for instance UK immigrants serve in security firms. They look after banks, shopping centres, suburban areas and in National security services; therefore, defending the country’s interests.

– Immigrants are a source of revenue to central governments through the payment of Visa fees, entry fees and work permits in the receiving countries. Such revenues are used to develop the economies of the receiving countries.

– Immigrants provide ready market for produced goods such as electronics, textiles and food stuffs.

Negative effects to areas of destination/recipient area

– Migration has led to the spread of diseases from the origin place to the receiving areas. Such has often led to the loss of lives and poor standards of living by the people who are infected with diseases.

– High crime rate, for instance robbery and terrorism in Nigeria, Somalia and Southern Sudan, which has compromised the standards of living, security and sometimes resulting in the loss of lives.

– Development of Slummy areas with undesirable results; for instance in Kigali, Bujumbura, Kampala and Nairobi. Such a case boosts poor sanitation conditions which result in ill-effects.

– The large influx of immigrants in a given area or country results in the congestion on roads, delayed provision of services, and jam-packed markets. For example:This is what is happening in Kampala, Nairobi and Kigali cities. 

– High unemployment cases are being created. The immigrants flock into the country and begin to offer cheap labour. Usually, these are highly skilled and professional than the local natives. It therefore lowers the standards of the natives who eventually may find it hard to make a living.

Positive effects on the areas of origin

– Reduced conflicts, for instance political emigrants from Iraq, Southern Sudan, Syria, Nigeria and Burundi etc. It creates some peace in the source areas which results inpolitical stability.

– Decreases pressure on land and other resources, for example in China and India people are encouraged to migrate to other countries and export human resources,which leaves behind less pressure on the resources. This is economically important since they always send money back home.

– Vanishing of criminal rate, for instance thieves, thus boosting the people’s standards of living. That is to say, criminals migrate to other areas or countries leaving peace and security in the places of origin.

Negative effects on the areas of origin

– Insufficient market for goods, which affects various economic sectors engaged in the production of goods and services. The mostly affected ones are the industrial and agricultural sectors. It thus leads to the under development of rural areas.

– There are limited investments established in the source areas. For instance, lack of standard hospitals, advanced research centres and modern markets.

– Low agricultural productivity in the rural areas due to the active youth that run away for urban centres, in search for employment opportunities, leavingbehind old people whose efforts cannot yield a lot. Such a low output may cause the shortage of food.

10.9.4. The measures to be taken to control migration            

The following are some of measures to be taken to control migration:

– Governments should encourage urban-rural migration in order to develop the rural areas.

– Resettlement schemes should be established in the rural areas to cater for the homeless and landless people. Where resources allow, affordable housing systemsshould be put in place in the suburbs of urban centres. 

– Improvement of the security to control high crime rate especially in the rural areas and slummy places. Such a situation will enhance investments.

– Creation of markets for the locally produced goods in the rural areas as a way of improving the income of people. This can create or provide employment to local people.

– Setting up rural electrification to develop the industries. Thus, improving the standards of living in the rural areas by getting people access to television, milling maize industries, and appropriate lighting systems during the night.

– Improvement and provision of clean water and sanitation facilities in the rural areas. This can be done through the development of piped water, so that water based diseases like cholera outbreaks are minimized.

– Improvement of communication and transport services in the source areas to boost the transportation of goods to the market centres.  

– Setting up micro-finance projects in the source areas so that the provision of loans to farmers, businesses, and homesteads can improve the trading capacity and small-scale industries. When this is done,it can boost the standards of living of the population.

Application activity 10.9

1. With reference to examples, discuss the reasons for and the results of internal/ international migration. 2. Migration has occurred in Rwanda in the past; briefly discuss the causes and consequences of this migration to Rwandans

10.10. Case Studies 

10.10.1 The population of Nigeria, Gabon and Bangladesh

Learning activity 10.10.1

1. Draw sketch map of Nigeria, Gabon, and Bangladesh; and on each, mark and label the areas that are densely and sparely populated.

2. Explain the factors responsible for the population growth in Nigeria, Gabon and, Bangladesh.

Population of Nigeria

Nigeria is located in Western Africa. It neighbors are the Gulf of Guinea, Benin on the West and Cameroon on the East. The country’s landmass extends from the Gulf of Guinea in the South to the Sahel in the North. Nigeria’s population is now estimated at 195,809,553 over a total area of 923,768 km² (in 2018), with the population density of 212.0 persons per square kilometre.

                               

(i) Nigeria’s population distribution

The Nigerian population is not evenly distributed. In some areas, dense population is found. Such areas include  the Coast region, South East, South West, Abuja and Lagos; the moderately populated regions are Kano, Kaduna, Rivers state, Katsina, Oyo state, Kano and Sokoto; while the sparsely (low) populated regions include the middle belt, semi-arid region of North and the central parts of the country.

 (ii) Factors influencing population distribution (density) in Nigeria

– The presence of favourable climate: This is experienced by the regions along the coast, in the South-West and South-East of the country. This explains why such areas are densely populated. On the other hand, areas with unreliable rainfall discourage the settlement; they are thus sparsely populated. 

–  Fertile and well-drained soils in the South-East and South-West parts support the growing of crops. This has encouragedhigh population densities.

– Favourable relief.  The relief in the South-East and South-Western is largely hilly and therefore favourable to the rapid population settlement.

– The Southern parts of Nigeria are gifted with mineral resources especially oil or petroleum deposits. Minerals exploitation has attracted a dense population settlement due to employment opportunities in the area.

– Inadequate water resources particularly in Northern Nigeria has led to sparse population while areas with enough water resources have encouraged a dense population.     

– The powerful tribal groupingsuch as the Yoruba, Ibos and Hausa Moslems have glorified and preserved their traditional and cultural attitudes. The traditional attitudes preserved have forced these people not to move away from their traditional and ancestral areas; thereby causing a dense population.

– Slave trade and internal slave raids by powerful tribes like Ibo and the Yoruba led to a low population in the middle belt.

– Government policy has encouraged a wider spread of settlement by developing transport, mineral resource exploitation, power supplies and urbanization leading to a high population in some places.

– The process of large-scale urbanization, especially in the South-Western (Lagos, Ibadan), has also contributed to the high rate of population growth in Nigeria.

(iii)  Nigeria’s population problems

– Unemployment challenges in Nigeria due to the densely populated SouthEast and South-Western agricultural regions. Many people in the rural areas of Nigeria still live under the poverty line.

– High rate of rural-urban migration from the densely populated regions to the country’s large urban centres such as Logos, Ibadan, Kano, Sokoto. This has resulted in numerous urban population evils.

– Growth of slummy areas and the general absence of housing facilities.

– Congestion and lack of space for the expansion of large Nigerian cities.

– Moral decay in the form of prostitution, high crime rate and robberies. 

– Challenges of the population explosion on land specifically in the South-East and South-West. This issue has resulted in a number of ecological problems such as severe soil erosion and deforestation. Severe soil erosion has led to land degradationand the decline in crop yield. Hence, famine in the country is a common experience.

– There are generally inadequate social services such as hospitals, schools, clean water, and energy resources in most of the rural areas. Where such facilities exist, they are highly overstrained, thereby causing great shortage. 

– Nigeria still experiences a challenge of a high dependency ratio and low life expectancy.

(iv)  Solutions to the problems facing population growth in Nigeria
 

– Family planning techniques and education are the main tools to check the problem of high population growth rates.

– The Government should continue to develop other sectors such as industry, mining, trade and commerce in such a way that employment opportunities are created.

– The Nigerian Government should continue investing in the establishment of social infrastructures. This shall help in making the upcountry self-reliant in the industrial and agricultural sectors.

– The government of Nigeria should encourage and promote vertical expansion through setting up skyscrapers in Abuja and Lagos. Therefore, horizontal expansion of large cities should be discouraged.

– The local government should constantly develop the under populated regions. Thus being engaged in the establishment of irrigation farming and mineral exploration as well as encouraging migration into such states which are sparsely populated.

Population of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is one of the world’s most densely populated countries. The total population is 166,325,373 (2018). The total area of Bangladesh is 144,000 km2 and the population density is 1,155.0 per km2. The most populated areas are found along river Bengal.

(i)  Factors influencing population distribution in Bangladesh 

– Lowland plains: the flat river valleys, deltas, and volcanic areas with fertile soil tend to have high population densities. Mountainous areas with steep slopes and poor quality soil tend to have low population densities.

– Climate:Areaswhich are very dry, very cold or very wet, tend to have sparse populations whereas, areas which have a moderate climate with evenly distributed rainfall or with monsoon type of climate have denser population.

– Soil: Areas with fertile soils encourage successful agriculture. This tends to attract high population densities. However, areas with poor quality soils discourage agriculture which, in turn,causes the latter to be sparsely populated.

– Water supply: Water is essential for the human survival and development. For this reason, the areas which have sufficient water tend to have dense population compared to those having irregular water supply.

– Natural resources: Areas which are endowed with natural resources such as oil and coaloften have higher population densities than the ones which don’t have. 

– Pests and diseases: These may affect the population density as people try to avoid the areas where pests and life threatening diseases prevail. 

– Industrialisation: Areas in which the manufacturing has developed tend to be densely populated. This is because of the availability of employment opportunities associated with such areas.

– Availability of transport and communication networks: Areas with welldeveloped transport infrastructures and links through road, rail, shipping, canals and air tend to be densely populated. On the hand, areas with poorly developed forms of transport discourage the settlement, and thus become sparsely populated.

(ii) Population problems in Bangladesh

– Traffic jam: This is one of the most challenging problems in Bangladesh. It comes as a result of many people living in the cities and urban centres of Bangladesh. This is at worst levels during the rushing hours.

– Environmental degradation: Numerous people are landless and forced to depend on cultivating flood-prone lands. With the use of poor farming practices, the soils have been degraded, soil erosion reaching its undesired levels and forests cleared in favour of farming. All these are attributed to the population explosion in Bangladesh.

– Health problems:Manypeople in Bangladesh suffer from various diseases. For example, several children in this country are blind because of poor nutrition. 

– Limited social amenities:   The large number of population has resulted in increased pressure on the social facilities. Bangladesh faces a challenge of social amenities like enough hospitals. In relation to this, the patient to doctor ratio is very high. For instance, one qualified doctor for every 25,000 people on average.

– Housing problems: The rapid increase in population in Bangladesh has resulted in a serious shortage of residential houses. This has led to the growth and development of slums with poor housing conditions mostly in the outskirts of urban areas. 

– Poverty: Bangladesh is a poor country with a rapid growing population. This implies that an increasing population in a country puts pressure on the national funds and limited resources. The case in Bangladesh has resulted in persistent poverty among the country´s citizens.

– Overcrowding especially in urban areas like Dhaka, has caused serious problems like noise, pollution, traffic jam, easy spread of contagious diseases and increased crime rates in these areas.

– Scarcity of food:Every year Bangladesh imports huge quantity of food from foreign countries to cater for the increasing food demand. This has increased government expenditures.

(iii) Ways of controlling population in Bangladesh

– Discouraging early marriage: This can be done through encouraging formal education.  Education may prove to be more successful in preventing child marriages. This is so because people spend more time in educational institutions. In addition to this, educated people are well informed about the dangers of high population.

– Use of family planning methods: The use of contraceptives and other family planning methods can control the birth rates which eventually reduces the population growth rate in Bangladesh.

– Mass education:  People can be sensitized about the threats of having big families. Hence encouraging them to have manageable families.

– Introduction of sex education in schools. This is meant to provide awareness to the youth about the dangers of early marriages and uncontrolled population growth.

– Providing incentives to families that have small and manageable families. For example, over taxing the families with large members. This can be an efficient measure in combating the challenge of rapid population growth in the country.

– Paying some money to the people with few children or free and discounted education for the people with a single child.

The population of Gabon

The population of Gabon is estimated to be 2,069,885 people (2018). Its total area is estimated to be 257, 670 km2. This makes its population density to be 8 people per km2.

(i) Factors influencing population distribution in Gabon

– Drainage: Low-lying areas that are prone to periodic flooding and water logging have sparse population. Such areas are unsuitable for agriculture and other economic activities, therefore, push away people who would otherwise settle there. On the other hand, well drained areas like gentle sloping zones encourage high population densities because they are suitable for the settlement and agriculture.

– Vegetation:Forested areas have wild animals, disease vectors and discourage the human settlement and other economic activities. However, areas which are not densely forested encourage the population distribution because there are less incidences of pests and diseases attacks. 

– Climate: The cool and wet areas are densely populated because they are suitable for farming. Hot dry areas have sparse population because they are unsuitable for farming.

– Relief: Mountainous and hilly areas have low temperatures and rugged terrain which discourage the settlement or development of infrastructures.  Plains and gently sloping areas are usually densely populated because they are suitable for the settlement and other economic activities. Flat depressions, flood plains and low-lying places are sparsely populated because of poor drainage which causes flooding in the wet season.

– Soil fertility: Fertile soils are suitable for agriculture thus attracting large population. On the other hand, areas that have infertile soils do not enhance economic activities like farming, hence a sparse population prevails.

– Pests and diseases:Areas that are infested with pests and disease-carrying vectors discourage the settlement since the conditions are unhealthy for both livestock and human beings, leading to sparse population. However, areas which are disease free, are favourable for the human settlement and agricultural activities, hence high population densities.

– Historical factors: Gabon,like other countries in West Africa, faced slave trade which led to some people to be taken away by the slave masters and colonial rulers of the time. Some Gabonese had to run away from their cradle land in search for peace and safety. These resettled far away from homeland and never came back. Such a situation resulted ina low population density in the source areas and increased population growth in the receiving regions.

– Tribal conflictsand wars have led some places to be sparsely populated. This is sobecause many people move to other places where they are assured of peace and safety, especially in the neighbouring countries.

– Economic factors like the exploitation of natural resources (Forestry and mining) attract a large population of job seekers for paid employment. In areas where such a situation exists, the population becomes higher than the regions that have no such activities.

– Infrastructures and industries in Libreville pulled many people from the rural areas to settle in industrial and urban areas.  

– Political factors and government policies have led to the resettlement of people from the gazetted conservation areas like national parks and forest reserves. Therefore, such areas have a sparse population.

(ii) Problems associated with the rapid population growth in Gabon

The population of Gabon faces various problems as follows:

– Poverty has become a characteristic associated with the rapid population growth of Gabon. This has led to under development of economic activities in the rural areas. Farmers in this case cannot afford to purchase better farming tools.

– Rural -urban migration: Many young people (the Youth) are running away from the rural areas to Libreville in search for jobs and leaving old people (whose productivity is low) in the rural areas. 

– Poor government policies that are not supporting the development of rural areas through establishing social services such as schools, industries, health centres and other infrastructures. 

– Pollution of the land is a problem in Gabon’s growing urban centers due to the industrial and domestic garbage.

– There is likely to be a problem of dependency on theimportation of manufactured goods, foreign aid and social services.

– Rampant deforestation: Most Gabonese use charcoal and fire wood, which leads to thecutting of trees in large numbers.

– Poaching: There is illegal procurement of protected wildlife such as fish, game, logging or plant collecting.

(iii) Possible solutions to the problem of high population growth in Gabon 

– Family planning techniques and education are the main tools that the Government can use to check on the problem of high population growth rates.

– The Government should continue to develop other sectors such as industry, trade and commerce as a way of increasing employment opportunities to the increasing local population.

– The Government should allocate huge or reasonable amount of funds to the development and establishment of social infrastructures. Such an act would assist the masses through having accessibility to a better life style.

– The government of Gabon is encouraging and promoting the vertical expansion through setting up skyscrapers in Libreville, discouraging horizontal expansion of other large cities.

– The Local government constantly develops her under populated regions in the form of establishing irrigation farming, mineral exploration and migrations into such states that are meagrelypopulated.

Application activity 10.10.1

3. Analyze the factors leading to thepopulation explosion and suggest possible ways of reducing population problems in Nigeria or Gabon.

4. Describe the impact of rapid population growth in Bangladesh.

10.10.2.The population of Germany, USA and China

Learning activity 10.10.2

Despite a drop in the country’s growth rate, Germany‘s population is now estimated at 82.29 million (in 2018).  The country has a population density that stands at 227.9 persons per square Km as per March 2018. This makes Germany the 17th most populous country in the world. It is also the largest country in the European Union. The total area of Germany is 357,021 km2.

5. Referring to the above text, identify the ranking position of Germany at world level in relation to the Population density.

6. Using Geographical resources, draw a sketch map of the USA and on it mark and label the densely, moderately and sparsely populated regions.

7. Using Geographical resources, explain the factors responsible for the population growth in Germany, China and USA.

Population of Germany

Germany is located in Western-Central Europe. The country is bordered by Poland, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Austria, France, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Germany is the most populous country in the European Union with an estimated population of 82.29 million people in 2018. It ranks 17th populated country in the world.

            

The population structure represented by the above pyramid is divided into three main age groups. These arethe population under 15, between 15 and 64 and aged population-over 65-year-old. Germany’s population pyramid displays a contracting structure. This type of pyramid is more common or associated with highly developed countries, known for having low birth and death rates. Usually,the countries with such kind of population age groups have long life expectancy due to improved standards of living they enjoy. Such people have access to high level education and assured of better and affordable health care.

(i)   Factors influencing population distribution in Germany

The factors that influence the population distribution in Germany are briefly short listed hereunder:

– The availability of enough and sufficient arable land that has supported large numbers of people to settle where they wish to be.

– The country has vast forested areas which have supported the growth and development of Lumbering and other associated industries such as ship building, pulp and paper. The areas where these economic activities exist have become the centres of attraction for large numbers of people.

– The availability of transport and communication facilities. Areas that are assured of having such facilities attract many people to settle there. While, on the other hand, where they do not exist, such areas become sparsely populated.

– Historical factors. After World war II, many countries sent their technicians to rebuild the country of Germany. These increased the population of the country. At the same time, those who had taken refuge elsewhere started coming back.

– The country has a well-developed sector of urbanization. There are many cities and towns in the country. These have attracted many young and old people from the rural areas to urban centres. 

– Drainage has also played a great role in influencing the distribution of the population in Germany. Areas with better drainage have been settled by many while poorly drained areas have discouraged the settlement. 

– Relief and landforms: Lowland plains, flat river valleys, deltas, and volcanic areas with fertile soil have played a role in attracting many people from all over the country of Germany to settle there.Mountainous areas with steep slopes and poor-quality soil tend to have low population densities.

(ii)   Population problems in Germany

– There is increased congestion as a result of several cars, buses, etc. on the road.

– There is an increase in prices of the commodities which has resulted ina high cost of living. The housing services are costly.

– Increase in air, noise and water pollution; for instance open sewage points, fires, etc.

– A high rate of environmental degradation in the form of pollution or poor disposal of wastes.

– Development of Slum areas particularly in large cities like Ruhr and Berlin.

(iii)  Germany can address population problems in the following ways:

 – Improve the work-life-balance for women and men (including flexible work schedules and high quality day care).

– Implement an immigration policy that meets the requirement of the German labour market.

– Adapt its structures and institutions to a declining and ageing population.

The population of the USA

The Population of theUnited States of America is estimates 326,903,782 people. The population density in the United States is 36 persons per Km2 and the total land area is 9,147,420 Km2.

The USA’s population is unevenly distributed. Some areas are densely populated where the average densities is over 100 persons per km2.  For instance, New York, the Great lakes region, much of the Eastern part, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The moderately populated areas are Chicago and Birmingham where the average density is between 10 -100 persons per km2 and the central. Much of the Western parts of USA are sparsely populated where the average density is less than 10 persons per km2.

                              

(i) Factors influencing the population distribution in USA

 – The climate has a greater influence in the population distribution in the USA. Areas which receive reliable and well-distributed rainfall have attracted large numbers of people. On the other hand, areas are sparsely populated since farming is discouraged.

– The relief of the Eastern parts of the USA is mostly mountainous considering the AppalachianMountains, such discourages the settlement. However, areas with gentle slopes attract large population.

– The impact of ancient European immigrants who settled in the Eastern side of the USA, mainly in the states of New York, and West Virginia.

– Large-scale urbanization in numerous parts of the USA has been responsible for the present high-level differences in the population distribution and densities. For instance, large cities like New York and Chicago and some parts of the western coast of the USA (that is Los Angeles) have dense population. 

– The USA society has, for a long time, continued to receive international immigrants from both the developed and developing worlds. This has led to the spread of population in different parts of the country.

– Countries like the USA with stable governments tend to have a high population density. Due to this political stability, the country has used its resources to develop industries and social infrastructures, and all these support high population densities.

– The improved and availability of modern or advance technology. In areas known to be having improved technology, many people settle there than in places with poorly developed technological advancement.

– The existence of a modernized economy characterized by developed mining, industrial, fishing and agricultural sectors, has attracted many immigrants. These have contributed to the growth of the population in some places.

(ii) Population problems in the USA

– Congestion in Cities: The high rate of urbanization growth has attracted many people leading to traffic jams in urban areas.

– Increased pressure on the social amenities such as hospitals, water, electricity, schools among others. 

– Development of slums: The increase of population in urban areas of the USA has led to a high unemployment rate which has resulted in the existence of homeless people and development of slummy areas. 

– The USA is threatened by moral decay as a result of high rate of immigrants from other parts of the world. These are mainly from the developing countries of Africa and Caribbean.

– Environmental degradation:this is attributed to the highpopulation density that has come along with the development of industries which release gases that pollute water bodies, air and land.

(iii) Solutions to the USA’s population problems 

– The Federal Government continues to develop other sectors such as industrialization, mining and trade and commerce as a way of increasing employment opportunities to the local population.

– USA constantly supports her immigration offices worldwide as a way of controlling illegal immigrants entering the country. 

– The USA government is encouraging and promoting vertical expansion through setting up skyscrapers in New York City and discouraging the horizontal expansion of other large cities.

The population of China

China is located in Eastern Asia along the Western shore of the Pacific Ocean. The population of China is 1,415,045,928. The total land area is 9,388,211 Km2 and the population density of China is 151people per Km2. It is the most populated country in the world.

                         

(i) Factors influencing the population distribution in China

 – The presence of fertile and well-developed plains and river valleys of the Eastern region. This has attracted many people to settle in such areas. For instance, there is North Chain plain, Chang Jiang plain and Xi Jiang plain. These river valleys present suitable and ideal settlement conditions.

– The Western parts of China present a hostile relief that discourages the population settlement. This area is composed of steep mountainous relief, which discourages the population settlement. For instance, in mountainous regions like Xingjian (Sinkiang), Gansu (Kansu), Qinghai (Tsinghai) and Tibet, the population density is as low as less than one person per km2.

– The availability of fertile soils that are also well drained. These have influenced the population distribution in China. Areas with fertile soils are densely populated while those with infertile and poor soils are sparsely populated. The good example includes the Great plains of Eastern China.

– The climate of Eastern China is monsoon in nature, which favours environmental conditions for the existence of a dense population distribution. The rainfall received is very heavy and suitable for the growing of various crops. The climate of the Western part, which is dry due to unreliable rainfall, makes cultivation very difficult, and therefore, discourages the settlement. Such areas will therefore have a low or sparse population. 

– The availability of clean water. The presence of river systems like Chang Jiang, Xi Jiang and Sichuan provide water for irrigation purposes. This explains why there are highly populated regions in China.

– The high level of urbanization has influenced many people to settle in cities and towns. The rural areas tend to have sparse population.

– The favourable government policies. For example, the Chinese government policy established rapid economic development of the Eastern region. This eventually attracted large numbers of people to settle there. 

– The presence of good infrastructures has attracted many people to the areas where they occur. In the Eastern part of china, there are well developed educational institutions and hospitals. There is uneven distribution of social services in Western China compared to the Eastern side, hence leading to a sparse population in this area

– Political ideologies. The Chinese Communist Government tried to decrease the population growth. This has resulted insome places having fewer people than others.

(ii) Chinese population problems

The country of China is highly populated. This high population has resulted into serious challenges that are now affecting the socio-economic development of the country. These problems include:

– There is a high rate of unemployment in the rural areas of China leading to poor living standards.

– There is an increased government’s expenditure in relation to the establishment of social service infrastructure that are needed to address the challenges faced by the population.

– China experiences one of the highest rates of the rural-urban migration in the entire world.

– High birth rates in many districts of China continue to present great social challenges to the Chinese government expenditure.

– There is a challenge of regional economic inequalities between the urban centres and rural areas of china.

(iii) Solutions to the Chinese population problems

– The Chinese Communist Government set a policy of regulating the number of children per family as a way of controlling the high population birth rate.

– Providing free education, housing, pension and family benefits to those with one child.

– A penalty of 15% of the family income is imposed on families with more than one child.

– In China, the marriage age for men was extended to 22 years and women at 20 years.

– The couples who are willing to marry are requested to apply for a permission.

– The Chinese communist government continues to reinforce the policy of “family planning”. For instance, the use of contraception, sterilization and abortion in the rural communes.

– The Chinese communist government continues to invest in various sectors of the economy as a way of creating more employment opportunities for the increasing population.

Application activity 10.10.2

1.  Are Chinese population policies relevant to Rwanda?  Support your answer.

2.  Compare the population problems of USA with those of Rwanda.

3. Describe the measures that Germany has undertaken to reduce rapid population increase.

End unit Assessment

1. Describe and suggest the reasons for the rapid increase in the world’s population in the recent times.

2. Explain why the problems may result in areas of overpopulation and under population.

3. Describe the relationship between the population growth and the resources in your country.

4. Explain how physical factors can cause variations in the population density in different parts of the world.

5. Assess the impact of the population growth  onthe economy of your country.

6. With a specific reference to any country you have studied, discuss the problems associated with the rapid increase of population in the Cities.