Benefits and problems of population change

Benefits and problems of population change

1. Benefits and Problems of Population change

2. Rural-urban migration Reasons for rural - urban migration Lack of jobs / low salaries Droughts / floods Lack of medical care/services Harsh climatic conditions Poor entertainment Poor education / lack of schools Problems of rural-urban migration Unemployment Squatter camps Pollution Lack of housing Traffic congestion Social problems e.g. crime Overcrowding

3. Consequences of rural – urban migration Positive The migrant workers bring some money to the rural areas Some migrant workers find a job and better living conditions for themselves and their families Negative The migrant worker is separated from his/her family which can have an emotional effect on the family. Children of the migrant worker is brought up by one parent. Children must help to cultivate the land and therefore do not get a proper education. Older children leave the home in search of a better life in the city, breaking up the family even more. Small shops in the rural areas close down because of fewer people to buy from them.

4. Effects of Rapid population growth Positive Provide a labour force Creates a larger market Prevents an ageing population                                                              Negative Overpopulation Degradation of the environment Depletion of resources Unemployment Strain on services such as electricity and water Poor sanitation Lack of food Poor medical care Prostitution Crime Housing shortages

5. Social standards The majority of Namibia's population is poor and unemployed. The  families receive a low income which means they cannot provide food, suffer from poor health and are poorly educated. This leads to poverty and a poorly educated society, which can be detrimental to the economy of Namibia . Infrastructure and services An increase in population, puts a burden on the infrastructure which includes electricity, water, telecommunication, sewage, roads and railways. Therefore the government must provide sufficient infrastructure in all areas, to cope with the increase in population . Pressure on natural resources An increase in population puts a strain on the natural resources, due to the increase in demand for food, power, water, land etc. With Namibia's limited resources and its rapid population growth, the country might become overpopulated. We need to sustain our natural resources in order to prevent depletion.

6. Dependency ratio Dependency ratio refers to the number of economically active people (16-64 years) in relation to the economically non-active people. The youth (0-15 years) and the old (65+ years) are the dependant groups of a population . Formula used to calculate dependency ratio:                      young people (younger than 15) + old people (65 and above)                                                     adult group (16-64) A country with young population group have a high birth rate . Problems caused by a young population Increase in medical care Increase in education (more schools need to be build) Increase in entertainment Increase in food and shelter etc. A country with an ageing population might have a higher death rate. Problems caused by an ageing population Increase in old age homes Increase in pension funds Increase in funds to pay for medical services/care Leisure activities for old people