Theory question 103
Population(a) Define optimum population.
(b) In what three ways can rapid population growth slow down the rate of economic development?
(c) Describe any three measures that can be adopted to control rapid population growth.
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(a) Optimum population is the population size which, combined with the available resources and technology, gives the highest output (income) per head.
(b) Any three: reduces savings and investment because more income is consumed; high dependency ratio; pressure on social services and infrastructure; unemployment; food shortages; lower per capita income; environmental degradation; rural-urban migration and slums.
(c) Any three: family planning and use of contraceptives; education, especially of girls; raising the age of marriage; limiting tax relief/benefits to a few children; public enlightenment campaigns; improving the status of women; restricting immigration.
Optimum population maximises income per head.