My research covers on the topic about overpopulation in sub-Saharan Africa. Overpopulation is a condition whereby the number of the existing human population supersedes the carrying capacity of the planet. This condition is usually undesirable in nature. All over human history, birth rates have always equaled death rates maintaining a sustainable growth rate.
My intention to research on overpopulation is based on how serious this issue is especially on the African continent. Overall, overpopulation poses a big problem in different fronts. It is a major cause of poverty, malnutrition and underdevelopment (Logan, 1991). This is especially so in Sub-Saharan Africa. The region has a population growth rate of 2.5 percent each year. This rate is twice that of Latin America and Asia combined. It is estimated that if measures are not taken, the population will double by 2036 (starting, 2008). Ethiopia and Nigeria could possibly triple in 50 years time. Catastrophic consequences are bound to occur if relevant, and concerned world bodies fail to address this issue.
Objectives
The main objective of the study is to examine the issue of overpopulation in Sub-Saharan Africa. It showcases an in-depth analysis of its causes and consequences and proposes possible solutions to the issue. Furthermore, it expounds on additional research possibilities with regards to overpopulation.
Materials Used
In this study, I the researcher obtained information mainly through online resources. Materials used included e-books, journals, video documentaries and online magazines. Once the information was gathered, I thoroughly analyzed it and made comparisons with other references. Upon thoughtful deliberations, I articulately organized it in the findings below.
Findings/what I learnt
Causes
I learnt that a decline in death rate was a root cause of overpopulation. This is the difference between the birth and death rate overall in a given population. Factors that increase the birth rates are active over longer time periods compared to those that increase the death rates over shorter time periods. Scientific discoveries have led to better means of food production. This allowed families feed more people. Medical sciences have made numerous discoveries. Because of that, most diseases can be cured and prevented. This came true with the advent of vaccines. Couples experiencing fertility problems have been able to conceive, thanks to efficient fertility treatment methods. Another major problem is lack of family planning in most nations within sub-Saharan Africa. Most people in this region are illiterate, highly impoverished, and either lack family planning knowledge or possess too little of it.
Effects
There are many effect of overpopulation. One of the consequences is the depletion of natural resources. The earth has a fixed amount of resources such as food and water. There is currently a huge deficiency of the above in Sub-Saharan Africa. Food resource, in particular, has become scarce since humans have settled on arable land leaving little space for agriculture (Turyagyenda, 1964). Environmental degradation is another serious concern. Excessive use of coal, natural gas and oil has caused serious damage to the environmental. Carbon emissions have led to global warming. This has led to droughts and famines that lead to starvation and mass immigration of environmental refugees (Otunnu, 1992). Competition for limited resources has led to increased aggression and violence outside conflict regions. Within such regions, the situation is worse. Water resources have caused tensions among many countries. In some parts rebel groups have taken control of resources and are committing heinous humanitarian crimes. When a particular country becomes overpopulated, unemployment increases. The number of jobs cannot cater for the entire population. This leads to an increase in crime rates. Another situation is whereby the supply of commodities is much lower than demand. Such a situation leads to a rise in the price of commodities. As a result, the cost of living becomes unbearably high.
Possible solutions
An important measure to combat overpopulation is the implementation of policies that reflect social change. The masses need to be educated on family planning awareness. The specific members of the society that will mainly be targeted are women and all married individuals. This will also assist women to make their own choices in matters reproduction, especially through efficient birth control. Governments need to implement policies pertaining to tax exemptions aimed at reducing overpopulation. An example is whereby married couples with fewer children pay lower taxes. Another important measure is the introduction of sex education to avoid early pregnancies in teenagers.
Further research avenues
In future research, I would like to focus on the formulation of efficient measures to deal with overpopulation. This will also include lobbying for their implementation and adherence by the relevant governments. Such measures include family planning education and youth entrepreneurship. Fundamentally, my further research will entirely be a source of the solution to the issue in concern. I believe this will help to reduce population, and the youth will be able to find and create employment opportunities for their economic empowerment. Further, dealing with overpopulation will eliminate the social evils that have long been associated with problem throughout history.
References
Logan, B. I. (1991). Overpopulation And Poverty In Africa: Rethinkng The Traditional Relationshp. Tijdschrift voor economische en sociale geografie, 82(1), 40-57.
http://www.popline.org/node/322161
In this source, the author addresses the question whether Africa’s increasing population should be the reason behind the high poverty standards in the continent. Logan further touches on the negative impacts of overpopulation not only in today’s generation but also for the future. Matters concerning allocation of resources, awareness and unrealistic trends and definitions of population growth are well argued. Based on this rich literature, this source is therefore significant to my resource as it aids my argumentations.
Otunnu, O. (1992). Environmental refugees in sub-Saharan Africa: causes and effects. Refuge: Canada's Journal on Refugees, 12(1).
http://www.synergiescanada.org/journals/ont/refuge/1313/21640
Turyagyenda, J. D. (1964). Overpopulation and its effects in the Gombolola of Buhara, Kigezi. Uganda Journal, 28(2), 127-153.
http://www.africabib.org/rec.php?RID=192741942
Unlike the other sources, Turyagyenda specifically looks into the effects of overpopulation is a specified region. Turyagyenda’s finding is that high level of poverty, low literacy levels, high crime rate among other social evil are all as a result of overpopulation in the Kigezi region of Uganda. The source not only provides an independent research but also fundamental information that is key to the development of my area of interest and study.
