The demographic transition model and how it was developed by the demographers
Demographic transition is a model describing change in population over a particular period and it is based on two demographic characteristics; birth rates and death rates. The model was developed by Warren Thomson, an American demographer, after observing experimented changes of various countries’ birth rates and death rates over the last two decades (Wilson, 2007).
Four phases of demographic transition model
The four phases of demographic transition are; pre-transition, early transition, late transition, and post transition. During the pre-transition phase, population growth is described to be low. Crude death rates are higher than crude birth rates and so population is declining. During the early transition phase, the high fluctuating death rates starts to decline while birth rates remain high and resulting in a growing population. Late transition phase involves both death rates and birth rates declining which results to a rapid decline in population growth. In the post transition phase, both birth rates and death rates are reducing and so population growth becomes negligible (Bowen & Pallister, 2006).
Factors leading to the decline of CDR in phase two and the CBR in phase three of the
demographic transition
Significant improvement in health is the major factor attributing to the decrease in death rates in phase two of the demographic transition model according to demographers. On the other hand, the decline of the crude birth rates in phase three is attributed by factors such as; improvement in the economic conditions, increased education among the women, and the emergence of new methods of techniques of family planning (Carr & Carr, 2011).
Living conditions in developed countries that have reached phase four while contrasting them in developing countries that remain in earlier phases.
Higher literacy levels
Education has been among the major attributes of low birth rates in developed countries as described in phase three of the demographic transition model. Women and families in general in developed countries possess higher levels of education which helps them in understanding the need and how to practice family planning to as to raise manageable families (Wilson, 2007). Compared to the developing countries, they are characterized with higher levels of illiteracy and poverty and therefore keep on giving birth as they lack the skills and knowledge of practicing family planning.
Health
Concerning the decrease in death rates among developed countries as described in phase four, improved health conditions is among the key attributes. People in developed countries are able to access quality health care. There is improved infrastructure which enables one to access quality health care within a shorter period of time as compared to those in less developed countries (Wilson, 2007). Developing countries are mainly poor which makes it hard for one access quality healthcare hence higher death rates.
Quality diet
The final living condition concerns dietary. With the population`s higher standards of living, developed countries eat balanced diet meals which also prevent them from disease infections. Developing countries are characterized with higher levels of poverty where people cannot an appropriate diet.
Program of developing countries that will help improve literacy levels
Providing free education is the most important program that can help developing countries improve their literacy levels. Free education will not only improve the level of literacy among the people but will help improve the other conditions as well (Wilson, 2007)
Food security
Food program is among the programs that can enable developing countries reach food security goals. The food program is characterized with allocating more investments in the agricultural sector. This involves offering farmers with the appropriate knowledge and skills of farming, subsidizing them in performing their farming practices among other techniques (Bowen & Pallister, 2006). This program can help developing countries attain their food security goals.
References
Bowen, A., & Pallister, J. (2006). Understanding GCSE geography: For AQA specification A.
Oxford: Heinemann.
Carr, M., & Carr, M. (2011). New patterns: Process and change in human geography. Walton-
n-Thames, Surrey: Nelson.
Wilson, G. A. (2007). Multifunctional agriculture: A transition theory perspective. Wallingford:
CABI.
