The below ten countries have added 2.09 billion people in under 65 years, increasing the global population by 25% which is now globally at 8 billion. We cannot have bio diversity with such a rapid population explosion! We need a global debate to save our environment.
Countries in red (see below map) who’s populations have tripled in the last 65 years has increased the global population by almost 60% from 1960 – an increase of 4.5 billion people. Of the 4.5 billion, 66% of the increase came from lower or lower middle income countries.
Addressing Rapid Population Growth in Developing Countries
Numerous factors contribute to rapid population growth, particularly in the developing world. To effectively tackle global population reduction, we must first address these underlying issues.
Understanding Large Families in Developing Countries
Many in first-world countries struggle to comprehend why families in impoverished regions have many children. The reasons are complex and multifaceted.
Correlation Between Poverty and Population Growth
As shown in the map above, there is a strong correlation between rapid population growth and low-income countries. A fairer distribution of wealth, ensuring surplus food reaches the hungry, could create greater stability and significantly reduce family sizes. Currently, the hungry and powerless lack the financial means to purchase food, despite a global food surplus, according to the Million Meals Mission Report.
Impact of Corrupt Governments
Corrupt governments in developing countries often fail to invest in essential infrastructure, resulting in limited access to education and basic amenities such as housing, roads, schools, agriculture, and sanitation. For example, Nigeria’s population has increased from 45 million in 1960 to 219 million in 2022, while the average annual income is $6,280. In contrast, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is worth $4 billion.
Land Displacement and Urban Sprawl
Land grabs by foreign investors displace indigenous people, driving them into poverty-stricken urban areas.
Women’s Rights and Family Planning
Women in developing countries often lack equal rights and control over their pregnancies. Cultural expectations push women into early marriage and motherhood, ending their education and perpetuating the cycle of poverty. Limited access to contraception exacerbates this issue, with an estimated 225 million women in developing countries wanting to delay or stop childbearing but lacking access to birth control.
Economic Insecurity and Child Mortality
Income insecurity in old age leads poor families to have many children, hoping some will find employment to support them. Additionally, high child mortality rates due to hunger, poor nutrition, and inadequate sanitation contribute to larger family sizes.
Misallocation of Foreign Aid
Most foreign aid from developed countries is used for military or policing purposes rather than addressing these critical issues. This aid should be redirected to support infrastructure, education, and health services.
Conclusion
Addressing the root causes of rapid population growth in developing countries is crucial for global population reduction. A focus on fair wealth distribution, combating corruption, empowering women, improving health and education, and reallocating foreign aid can create a more stable and sustainable future.
Sources:
- World Bank Population Data
- World Hunger: 12 Myths