Overpopulation is a situation whereby, people living in an environment exceed the number of resources available to meet their needs. Overpopulation is one of the biggest problems we have here in Nigeria. It is important to note that besides social well-being, the economic prosperity of a nation is dependent on its population growth rate. Demographically, Nigeria is running so fast that she has to stand still economically.
Developing nations face the problem of overpopulation more than developed countries, but it affects most of the earth as of now. When we are talking about overpopulation, we should first understand it?s causes.
Thus, the following are possible causes of overpopulation:
Better Medical Facilities : Illnesses that had claimed thousands of lives till now were cured because of the invention of vaccines. People now live longer because of better medical facilities available to them.
Migration: People move to better environments where best facilities are available in terms of, education, security, medicals, and employment.
Lack of Family Planning: Most developing nations have a large number of people who are illiterate, and have little or no knowledge of family planning. Thereby, getting their children married at an early age and increasing their chances of producing more kids.
The following are the effects of these causes of overpopulation on the economy:
Depletion of Natural Resources, degradation of the environment, a rise in unemployment rate, a high cost of living, brain drain, etc.
After considering the causes and effects of overpopulation, let us look at some possible solutions to reduce them.
Better Education: Educating the masses helps them understand the need to have two or three children at the most. Also, by educating the people, they learn about various safe sex techniques and contraceptives methods available to avoid unwanted pregnancy.
Family Planning Awareness: Raising awareness among people regarding family planning is very important. Letting them know about serious after effects of overpopulation can help control the rate of population growth.
Knowledge of Sex Education: Communicating sex education to young kids at the elementary level is key. By doing so, they learn the right way and not from their peers or through the internet.
In conclusion, Africa?s population is increasing and it?s not showing any signs of slowing down. The only probable solution is to encourage a culture of learning and good education.
Overpopulation in Nigeria.
Nigeria is the country with rapidly growing amount of population. Learn what effects it can produce for the nation and for you personally.
Is population growth in Nigeria a good or a bad thing? What consequences does it have? What are main effects of fast population growth for people of the country? Let?s find out all the answers right now.
What is Nigeria population growth rate?
This problem is one of major for many countries and Nigeria is not an exception. Thus, population growth in Nigeria is very fast and influences different spheres of people?s lives. To understand the effects of overpopulation, it is also essential to know its reasons. Let?s observe the most common ones:
Increased birth rate. Too many children are being born in this country. Sometimes it is caused by poor medical assistance, lack of education, or unawareness of contraception. Fact is that the poorer family is, the more kids they might have.
Immigration. Lots of people come to Nigeria. Besides, there are vulnerable areas, which are devastated or dangerous. People have to leave them and move to other places. That?s why some better developed and safe cities have become overpopulated.
Increase in birth rate. Along with underdeveloped areas, some other Nigerian cities are well-developed. The medicine moves forward and special infertility treatment is applied. That?s why more and more women are able to get pregnant.
Cultural influence. Nowadays it is possible to have several wives in Nigeria. Each woman may give birth to at least one child, while all of them have just one father. It also adds to the population growth. Early marriage is another factor.
Decreased death rate. It is due to medical advances as well. Plenty of former incurable diseases might be successfully treated today. Besides, lots of preventive measures have been worked out.
Lack of education. In many areas, people do not have access to proper sexual education. Thus, they know little about contraception methods and give birth to many kids.
Nowadays there are about 190 million people in Nigeria. Their number keeps growing every year. It is 2.48% of the world population, and it is ranked the 7th in the UN list. Nigeria population growth rate 2015 is more than 2.7%.