(a) Highlight three human and three physical factors which may favour a rapid growth of population. (b) State four problems that may arise from rapid popula...

Answer Details

(a) Factors which may favour a rapid growth of population

Human factors:

1. High birth rate: Early marriage, polygamy and the desire for large families raise the number of births and speed up growth.
2. Improved medical facilities: Better health care, immunisation and drugs lower the death rate, especially infant mortality, so more people survive.
3. In-migration: The movement of people into an area for jobs, security or better living conditions adds to its population.

Physical factors:

1. Favourable climate: Moderate temperature and reliable rainfall support farming and comfortable living, attracting and retaining people.
2. Fertile soils: Rich soils give good harvests and food security, encouraging settlement and population increase.
3. Availability of water and mineral resources: Adequate water supply and the presence of minerals attract settlers and support economic activity that sustains a growing population.

(b) Problems that may arise from rapid population growth:

1. Food shortage: Population may outstrip food production, leading to hunger and malnutrition.
2. Unemployment: The labour force grows faster than available jobs, causing widespread unemployment and low incomes.
3. Pressure on social amenities: Housing, schools, hospitals, water and electricity become overstretched and inadequate.
4. Environmental problems: Overcrowding, poor sanitation, congestion and pollution increase, and land is degraded through overuse.