(a) Define optimum population. (b) In what three ways can rapid population growth slow down the rate of economic development? (c) Describe any three measure...
Question 1 Report
(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.
Answer Details
(a) Optimum population is the population size that, given a country's available resources and level of technology, yields the highest output per head (maximum per capita income). At this point the country is neither under-populated nor over-populated.
(b) Three ways rapid population growth can slow economic development:
- Reduced per capita income: national output must be shared among more people, so the average standard of living falls.
- Lower savings and investment: a large dependent population forces high spending on immediate needs, leaving little for saving and capital formation.
- Strain on social amenities and infrastructure: schools, hospitals, housing and utilities are overstretched, and much investment goes merely to maintain existing standards rather than to raise them.
(c) Three measures to control rapid population growth:
- Family-planning programmes and free access to contraceptives to help couples space and limit births.
- Public enlightenment and education, especially of women (education tends to lower birth rates).
- Government policy and incentives, such as limiting tax or housing benefits to a set number of children, or discouraging early marriage by law.
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