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Unit 13: POPULATION IN RWANDA
Key unit competence
At the end of this unit, you should be able to discuss the demographic problems and possible solutions in Rwanda.Introduction
Rwanda is one of the densely populated countries in the region. The 2012 census indicated that the country had a total population of 10,515,973 people of which 52% are women and 48% men. The population density in 2012 was 416 inhabitants per square kilometre. The population of Rwanda is young with one in two persons being under 19 years old.
Activity 13.1
In groups of five, use your dictionary, internet and geographical sources to find out the meaning of the following terminologies:
a) Population
b) Population distribution
c) Population density
d) Population structure
e) Population growth
f) Census
g) Migration
h) Demography
Present your findings to the class for discussion.
The study of population helps us understand how the number of people in an area may be increasing or decreasing. The study of population helps us appreciate the importance of having smaller families. To achieve this, various methods of family planning may be explored from time to time in the course of this unit.
This study also enables us to understand the dangers that face a population. This include sexually transmitted diseases that may bring immature deaths. Such knowledge helps us know how to avoid risky sexual behaviour.
To the government, understanding the population in the country is the basis for planning. For instance, it is able to plan how it will ensure adequate food supplies at all times. It can also plan on how to provide services such as health and education. It can as well use this understanding to plan for infrustructural development including transport network, supply of water and electricity among other services.
13.1 Factors influencing population distribution and density in Rwanda
Population distribution refers to how people are settled or spread out in the country. Population density on the other hand is the number of people living within unit area. In Rwanda, population is unevenly distributed. Some areas have high density while other areas have low density.
Activity 13.2
Study the map of Rwanda provided below showing population distribution in Rwanda then answer the questions that follow:
1.Describe the distribution of population in Rwanda.
2.Suggest reasons as to why the eastern and south western parts of Rwanda have low population density.
3.Suggest reasons as to why the central part of Rwanda has high population.
4.Propose the measures the government should take to avoid having too many people in one part of the country.
The following factors influence people to settle in certain areas in Rwanda.
a. Relief
b. Rainfall
c. Soil fertility
d. Land ownership
e. Government policy
f. Urbanisation
g. Occurrence of minerals
h. Historical factors
Activity 13.3
1.In groups, discuss how each of the factors mentioned above may encourage or discourage people to settle in an area.
2.Explain how these factors have determined the way people are settled in local area. Ensure you give specific examples from your area. Include any other factors that may be applicable other than the ones discussed above.
Make a class presentation from your findings.
The following text explains how each of these factors have determined the way people are settled in Rwanda.
a) Relief: Although there are many people living on the slopes of the hills, they avoid areas that are very steep. This is because these areas may be prone to landslides. Places like Gicumbi and Gakenke have fewer people because of the steep slopes which are prone to landslides. The central and eastern plains are densely populated.
b) Rainfall: Most people in Rwanda are farmers. This is why they are mainly found in areas that receive sufficient rainfall which support crop farming. For example, there are more people living in areas such as Musanze and Rubavu, which receive high rainfall. On the other hand, drier areas such as Bugesera are sparsely populated.
c) Soil fertility: Since most people in Rwanda are farmers, they settle mainly in areas that have fertile soils. Areas such as Burera, Musanze and Nyabihu have high population densities compared to Nyagatare and Bugesera where soils are generally poor. Swampy areas are generally avoided.
d) Land ownership: In Rwanda, there are few areas with large tracts of land owned by the government and set aside for certain purposes like conservation of wildlife. Such areas have few or no one living there. In central parts of Rwanda, where individual families own small holdings, the population is very high.
e) Government policy: The government influences population distribution and density by creating reserves, plantations and settlement such as the Imidugudu. The National parks like Akagera and Nyungwe are set aside for wildlife and people are not allowed to settle there. The Imidugudu are small clusters of settlements with high concentration of people.
f) Urbanisation: Growth of towns is associated with increase in the number of people in the town. People tend to migrate to towns in search of employment. They also migrate in search of better living conditions such good health and education facilities as well as clean water supply. This leads to formation of clusters of high population. In Rwanda, large clusters of population are in Kigali, Huye, Musanze and Rubavu.
g) Occurrence of minerals: Areas that have valuable minerals attract clusters of population as people seek employment in the mining industries. Limestone mines at Rusizi and tin mining at Ruhango are examples of population clusters that result due to mining activities.
h) Historical factors: There are some areas in Rwanda where clusters of settlement formed a long time ago. For instance, areas that were headquarters of kingdoms have continued to have many people. Examples are Gasabo and Nyanza.
13.2 Population structure in Rwanda (composition, age and sex)
Within any population, there are people of different ages. These include the young, middle aged and old people. There are also both men and women. The composition of the population in terms of age and gender is referred to as population structure.
Graph showing the structure of the population of Rwanda in 2014
Notice that on the left are the males and on the right are the females. The longer the bar the higher the number of people within the given age group. This type of a graph is called an age-sex pyramid.Activity 13.4
Use the graph above to answer the following questions:
1.a) Which age group has the longest bar?
b) What is the approximate number of people in this age group?
2.From 0 to 19 are people called dependants. Explain what dependants mean.
3.Which other group constitutes dependants?
The following are some of the conclusions that can be made from the pyramid above:
• The pyramid is broad at the base and gradually becomes narrow toward the top. This means that Rwanda’s population has a large number of young people.
• There are many children whose age is 0 to 4 years. This shows that the birth rate in Rwanda is very high. This is an indication of a population that is growing rapidly.
• A large part of the population of Rwanda consists of young people between 0 to 20 years. These are mainly children and the school going age who depend on their parents and guardians for all their needs.
• The old people who are over 70 years are few. From this age upwards, the people are not actively involved in economic activities. Like the young people, these are also dependants.
13.3 Population movements/migration in Rwanda (causes and effects)
a) Causes of population movements
Population migration is the movement of people from one place to another. Movement can be within the country (internal migration) or from the country to other parts of the world (external migration also termed as emigration). Movement can also be from other countries to Rwanda (immigration). Some of the movements are on permanent basis while others are temporary.
There are many reasons why people move from one place to another.
Activity 13.5
The following are factors that cause movements (or migrations) in Rwanda:
• Travelling for duty•Population pressure
• Search for employment opportunities
• Search for pasture and water
• Natural calamities
• Political instability
• Search for better health care and education
• Leisure/tourism•Go vernment policy
• Search for valuable resources
Use text books and other relevant resources on population to explain how each of the factors mentioned above may cause:
1. Internal population movements in Rwanda
2. External population movements in Rwanda
Explain some of the reasons that make foreigners to come to Rwanda.
Present your finding to the class for discussion
Effects of migrations
Activity 13.6
In groups, use text books and population documentaries to research on the positive and negative effects of:
i. Internal population movements in Rwanda
ii. External population movements in Rwanda
Discuss the findings for class presentation.
The areas where people are migrating from are affected in many different ways. Some of the effects are:
a) Depopulation: The areas which people move from may experience reduction in population if the movement involves too many people. This could lead to under- utilization of resources due to lack of enough labour force.
b) Reduced demand for local products: Due to the reduction in the number of people it could lead to a reduction in demand for goods and services.
c) Reduced skilled labour: If those moving out are the educated and skilled people, for example when professionals like teachers, doctors and engineers migrate, this causes a shortage of the skilled people. Rural areas in Rwanda experience lack of skilled people because many of the professionals are employed in towns.
d) Ease in population pressure: If people move out because of pressure on land, there will be sufficient land for those left behind. When people are few, the rate of environmental degradation reduces.
Activity 13.7
The following are positive and negative effects of migration. In pairs, read each point and classify each either as positive or negative.
(i) Pressure on amenities: The areas where people migrate to experience an increase in the population. This could lead to congestion and strain on social amenities.(
ii) Increased labour: The areas gets a large number of people with all skills that may be needed for different economic activities using cheap labour.
(iii) Higher levels of unemployment: Not all those who move to towns in search of employment are lucky to get jobs.Job opportunities do not increase as fast as population increase. Many people remain unemployed.
(iv) Increased market for goods and services: this is because demand increases with increased population.
(v) Development of informal settlements: Those who move to towns and fail to get employment are not able to afford good houses. They end up creating shanties to live in. This explains why there are slums in large towns. In such crowded areas, diseases spread easily.
(vi) Increase in crime rate: The unemployed turn to criminal activities to be able to survive. Some become drug dealers while some turn to prostitution.
(vii) Environmental degradation: When people migrate in large numbers to one area, they degrade the environment. It can be deforestation by people looking for building materials, it can be water pollution or soil erosion. Nyacyonga settlement scheme and Nyamirambo area in Kigali City are examples of areas where there has been environmental degradation.
13.4 Population growth and associated problems in Rwanda
a) Population growth
Population growth means increase in the number of people in an areas over a given period of time. Some of the reasons why Rwanda’s population grows so fast are:
(i) Improved healthcare and standards of living which has reduced death rates.
(ii) High fertility rates which means that the number of children born to one woman in Rwanda is high.
(iii) Migration into the country especially by Rwandans who were in exile during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
(iv) Cultural values where parents attach a high value to many children.
(v) Low levels of education which means that many people lack understanding of the importance of small families.
Activity 13.8
Case study
In Rwanda, the population was estimated to be 10.22 million in 2008. By 2010, it had grown to about 10.84 million. By 2012, it had increased to about 11.46 million and 11.34 in 2014. This shows that it is increasing. However, the land remains constant.
(Source: World Bank - October 7, 2016)
(i) Using the information above, calculate the percentage increase of population in Rwanda between.
• 2008-2010
• 2010-2014
• 2008-2014
(ii) What do you think will happen by 2050 if this trend continues?
(iii) Suggest measures that the government should take to control the population growth rate.
Problems associated with population growth in Rwanda
Rapid population growth in Rwanda has led a wide range of problems. These problems are not only felt by individuals but also by the government and country as a whole.
Some of these problems are:
• Pressure on land
Land for farming in Rwanda has become so scarce that people have encroached on to the forests and swampy areas. Others have settled on steep slopes like Gakenke where there are dangers of landslides. Others who are landless have migrated to towns in search of employment.
• Land fragmentation
The piece of land owned by a family keeps being subdivided over generations. Currently many family own very small pieces of land that cannot yield enough food for the members.
• Declined soil fertility
Cultivation on a piece of land is carried out year after year with little use of manure. This has caused soil exhaustion leading to low crop yields. In turn there is shortage of food.
• High expenditure by the government
The government spends large amounts of money to be able to provide social amenities such as health facilities, clean water, sufficient food and schools. These amenities are never enough. It is also difficult for the government to plan effectively for a rapidly growing population.
Activity 13.9
In groups,
1.Use available geographical documents and local environment to discuss the causes and effects of following problems of population in Rwanda:
(a) High levels of unemployment;
(b) Environmental degradation;
(c) Rural-urban migration.
2.Suggest possible measures to solve these problems
Prepare a report for class presentation.
13.5 Possible solutions to population growth in Rwanda
The problems of high population growth can be solved gradually. The government of Rwanda has been applying a number of measures to control the rate of growth. This is in realisation that in the years to come, the population will not have increased as rapidly as it has been. Measures applied include:
a) Introduction of family planning programmes
The government has been advocating for family planning so that each family can only get the number of children it is able to raise without straining. This has been done first by raising awareness in public health institutions and public meetings. Once people are convinced, they are educated on the use of contraceptives and other ways of controlling births.
b) Discouraging early marriages
This has gradually been achieved as more people appreciate the value of education and take their children to school. This has helped to delay the time girls are married off. The older and more educated they are the fewer the number of children they are likely to get.
c) Advocating for small families
There has been widespread public awareness on the advantages of small families.
d) Discouraging prostitution
Prostitution is a bad practice that should be totally eradicated in the society. It leads to unwanted children as well as spread of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV 163163and AIDS. This is discouraged because the children who are born become a burden to those left to look after them and to the government.
Activity 13.10
1. In pairs, complete the table below and discuss your findings with the rest of the class.
2.Which family would you prefer and why?
13.6 Impact of early sex, health risks, HIV and Aids, STDs in Rwanda and possible prevention measures
It is wrong to get involved in sexual affairs at an early age. It is not healthy and has many risks some of which can lead to death.
Activity 13.11
With the help of your teacher, invite a health worker to give a talk on health risks related to early sexual affairs.
In groups, use the knowledge gained from the talk by the health worker and relevant resources to research and write a essay on:
The effects of early sex, health risks, HIV and AIDS and STDs in Rwanda.
1.Suggest possible measures that can control the trend.
Present your report for class discussion.
13.7 Possible prevention measures to the impact of early sex, health risks, HIV and AIDS and STDs in Rwanda
Some measures that have been put in place are:
(i) Giving comprehensive knowledge to young people on preventive measures against STDs is very important. The most effective measure is to change ones 164164behaviour so as to avoid engaging in sex and other behaviour that could lead to contracting the diseases.
(ii) Introducing topic on STDs as one of the subjects taught in schools so as impart the knowledge at an early stage in life.
(iii) Establishing more health care centres in the country and encouraging people to go for testing to know their status and keep off bad behaviour. Rwanda has a centre called Centre for Control and Prevention of diseases where some of the preventive services are offered.
(iv) If a young pregnant mother is found to be infected, measures should be taken to ensure that the unborn baby will not be infected.
Activity 13.12
1.Research more on the prevention measures that have been put in place in Rwanda regarding the impact of early sex, health risks, HIV and AIDS and STDs.
2.Make a class presentation.
13.8 Demographic problems in Rwanda and their solutions
Demography is the study of population.
Like many African countries, Rwanda’s population is faced with many problems. However, the government is doing everything possible to solve these problems. Some of the measures the government is employing are included in the table below.
END OF UNIT REVISION EXERCISE
1. Identify and explain the factors influencing population distribution and density in Rwanda.
2. Describe the population structure of Rwanda.
3. Explain the causes for population movements in Rwanda.
4. Outline the reasons for rapid population growth and state the effects.
5. Suggest ways through which Rwanda can control the population growth.
6. Explain the impact of early sex, health risks, HIV and Aids and STDs.
7. Suggest the various ways of preventing the spread of these diseases in Rwanda.
8. Describe the demographic problems in Rwanda and for each suggest possible solutions.