Overpopulation and Overpopulation and developmentdevelopment

Overpopulation Overpopulation

The number of people in a region is The number of people in a region is greater than the ability of the land to greater than the ability of the land to support themsupport them

Carrying capacity= no. of people a Carrying capacity= no. of people a region can support with its basic region can support with its basic resourcesresources

Optimum Population – no of people in a region Optimum Population – no of people in a region with high standard of living given regions level of with high standard of living given regions level of development and natural resources at any timedevelopment and natural resources at any time

Under population – no of people living in area Under population – no of people living in area cannot exploit fully the natural resourcescannot exploit fully the natural resources

Inward migration improves SOL for allInward migration improves SOL for all

Ireland 1997-2007 – labour shortagesIreland 1997-2007 – labour shortages

2007 onwards and 1840’s overpopulated2007 onwards and 1840’s overpopulated, Sahel; , Sahel; Africa and Bangladesh also Africa and Bangladesh also

Influence of Society and culture Influence of Society and culture on Populationon Population

Status of women:Status of women:– Low status, low education (62% of women in India Low status, low education (62% of women in India

are illiterate), Marry young, male heir imp, high rate are illiterate), Marry young, male heir imp, high rate of malnutritionof malnutrition

India 20% of maternal deaths and 25% of child deaths India 20% of maternal deaths and 25% of child deaths world wideworld wide

Religion:Religion:– Strong religion = high BRStrong religion = high BR– Oppose abortion and contraception (Catholic and Oppose abortion and contraception (Catholic and

Islamic)Islamic)– Catholic influence is decliningCatholic influence is declining

Local customs:Local customs:– India, number of children = virilityIndia, number of children = virility– Sons seen as economic advantageSons seen as economic advantage– Large families are insurance policyLarge families are insurance policy

Provision of Healthcare:Provision of Healthcare:– Better HC and clean water – lower child Better HC and clean water – lower child

mortalitymortality– Somalia infant mortality is 118.5/1000Somalia infant mortality is 118.5/1000– Norway 3.7/1000Norway 3.7/1000

Causes of overpopulationCauses of overpopulation

1.1. High birth rates: demand on basic High birth rates: demand on basic resources increase ie. The Sahelresources increase ie. The Sahel

2.2. Migration: people forced to leave Migration: people forced to leave areas puts new areas under areas puts new areas under pressure ie. Darfur in Sudanpressure ie. Darfur in Sudan

3.3. Overuse of sources: resources that Overuse of sources: resources that the population depend on becoming the population depend on becoming overused leading to overpopulation overused leading to overpopulation ie. Cod banks in the north atlanticie. Cod banks in the north atlantic

Factors to increase carrying Factors to increase carrying capacitycapacity

Factors Factors How these factors workHow these factors work1. Decreasing 1. Decreasing populationpopulation

Reduces demand for basic resourcesReduces demand for basic resources

2. Fertilisers2. Fertilisers Increase food supply and feed more Increase food supply and feed more peoplepeople

3. New farming 3. New farming methodsmethods

Feed more peopleFeed more people

4. Irrigation4. Irrigation Raises crop yields, more waterRaises crop yields, more water

5. Better crops/ 5. Better crops/ animalsanimals

Feed more peopleFeed more people

6. Land 6. Land reclamationreclamation

Provides new land for settlement and Provides new land for settlement and farmingfarming

Factors to decrease carrying Factors to decrease carrying capacitycapacity

Factors Factors How these factors workHow these factors work

1. Population 1. Population growthgrowth

Raises demand for basic resourcesRaises demand for basic resources

2. Soil erosion2. Soil erosion Reduces food supplyReduces food supply

3. Deforestation3. Deforestation Reduces fuel supply/ increases soil Reduces fuel supply/ increases soil erosionerosion

4. Flooding 4. Flooding Destroys living space and farmlandDestroys living space and farmland

5. Overgrazing/ 5. Overgrazing/ over cropping over cropping

Damages soil and reduces food supplyDamages soil and reduces food supply

6. Urbanisation6. Urbanisation Raises demand for resources/ reduces Raises demand for resources/ reduces farmlandfarmland

7. Climate change7. Climate change Makes land areas uninhabitableMakes land areas uninhabitable

Case study: The SahelCase study: The Sahel An area stretching across An area stretching across

northern Africa northern Africa 5,0000km long and 300km 5,0000km long and 300km

wide wide Savannah land south of Savannah land south of

Sahara, semiarid zoneSahara, semiarid zone Limited resources, rainfall Limited resources, rainfall

in downpours and in downpours and evaporates quicklyevaporates quickly

Impact of the development of Impact of the development of resourcesresources

Extends from Senegal (west) through Extends from Senegal (west) through Mauritania, Mali, Burkino Faso, Niger, Mauritania, Mali, Burkino Faso, Niger, Northern Nigeria, Sudan to Ethopia.Northern Nigeria, Sudan to Ethopia.

Poor quality soil only supports Poor quality soil only supports nomadic herdersnomadic herders

Overgrazing causes desertificationOvergrazing causes desertification Sahara extending 10km a yearSahara extending 10km a year

Causes of OverpopulationCauses of Overpopulation Climate Change – rainfall unpredictable, Climate Change – rainfall unpredictable,

getting less rain due to global warming, 02-getting less rain due to global warming, 02-06 no crops grew due to water shortage06 no crops grew due to water shortage

Heavy downpours wash away the hard Heavy downpours wash away the hard baked soil- these are most fertile soilsbaked soil- these are most fertile soils

Soils are mainly Laterite and sand, don’t Soils are mainly Laterite and sand, don’t hold water wellhold water well

High Temp and evaporation, led to wells High Temp and evaporation, led to wells drying up and droughts and famines e.g. drying up and droughts and famines e.g. 1983-1985 1983-1985

Unsustainable farming methods:Unsustainable farming methods: Cattle number exceed carrying capacity Cattle number exceed carrying capacity

– cattle seen as wealth, 1950-70 cattle – cattle seen as wealth, 1950-70 cattle numbers doubled, overgrazingnumbers doubled, overgrazing

New wells discourage nomadic life, land New wells discourage nomadic life, land stripped bare, roots no longer bind soil stripped bare, roots no longer bind soil together, erosiontogether, erosion

Deforestation due to fire and building Deforestation due to fire and building materialmaterial– Particularly bad at edge of desert where Particularly bad at edge of desert where

shrubs and trees would prevents deserts shrubs and trees would prevents deserts spreadspread

Population Growth:Population Growth:

Early expanding stageEarly expanding stage BR is 39, DR is 10BR is 39, DR is 10 Increase in Refugees due to civil war and famineIncrease in Refugees due to civil war and famine 1m fled from Ethiopia to Sudan1m fled from Ethiopia to Sudan Pressure to grow cash crops e.g. cotton, led to Pressure to grow cash crops e.g. cotton, led to

nutrients being leached due to over cropping, nutrients being leached due to over cropping, failure to rotate, and using dung as fuel not failure to rotate, and using dung as fuel not fertiliserfertiliser

As soils become exhausted more land is need to As soils become exhausted more land is need to produce same amount of crops produce same amount of crops

Effects of Over PopulationEffects of Over Population

Socio-economic:Socio-economic:– Human Activities main cause, frequency of Human Activities main cause, frequency of

famine due to overuse of resourcesfamine due to overuse of resources– Increasing pop and refugees strain Increasing pop and refugees strain

resourcesresources– Cash crops use land that used to provide Cash crops use land that used to provide

food for localsfood for locals– Nomadic way of life over so cattle strip land Nomadic way of life over so cattle strip land

barebare– Refugees dependent on aid and assistanceRefugees dependent on aid and assistance

Environmental:Environmental:– Change in rainfall – lake chad now 1/20Change in rainfall – lake chad now 1/20thth

of size since 1970of size since 1970– Fishing boats seen stranded many miles Fishing boats seen stranded many miles

from current shorelinefrom current shoreline– Conflict between Nigeria and Cameroon Conflict between Nigeria and Cameroon

re fishing areas, borders no clearly re fishing areas, borders no clearly defined as lake once occupied this areadefined as lake once occupied this area

Case studyCase study

Focus on SudanFocus on Sudan Same size as Same size as

FranceFrance Barren landBarren land 33% of population 33% of population

live in 7% of landlive in 7% of land Capitol city Capitol city

KhartoumKhartoum Stage 2Stage 2

Factors contributing to Factors contributing to overpopulation and overuse of soilsoverpopulation and overuse of soils1. 1. Birth rate:Birth rate: birth rate = 33 per thousandbirth rate = 33 per thousand death rate = 10.28 per thousanddeath rate = 10.28 per thousand Population 43million Population 43million Infant mortality rates= 81 per thousandInfant mortality rates= 81 per thousand ½ population under 18= HDR½ population under 18= HDRLed to a number of problems:Led to a number of problems: Overgrazing: status of cattle Overgrazing: status of cattle Deforestation: need of fuel, manure often used Deforestation: need of fuel, manure often used

(no natural fertilizer in the soil)(no natural fertilizer in the soil) over cultivation: use of cash crops to pay debtover cultivation: use of cash crops to pay debt

Factors contributing to Factors contributing to overpopulation and overuse of soilsoverpopulation and overuse of soils2. 2. Migration and conflict:Migration and conflict: Civil war and famine led to internal Civil war and famine led to internal

migrationmigration Since 2003 Darfur has become a Since 2003 Darfur has become a

human rights crisis regionhuman rights crisis region 120,000+ fled to Chad or to area at 120,000+ fled to Chad or to area at

the east of Sudan the east of Sudan Suffering brain drainSuffering brain drain Influx of 1milliion+ from Ethiopia Influx of 1milliion+ from Ethiopia

Factors contributing to Factors contributing to overpopulation and overuse of soilsoverpopulation and overuse of soils3. 3. Environmental degradation:Environmental degradation: Global warming: increased temp and evaporationGlobal warming: increased temp and evaporation Droughts reduces food productionDroughts reduces food production Rainfall levels decreased by 30% over 20 yrs Rainfall levels decreased by 30% over 20 yrs

leading to drying of soil triggering erosion leading to drying of soil triggering erosion WellsWells drying up and droughts 1968-73, 1983-5, drying up and droughts 1968-73, 1983-5,

dug dug lower which lower which lowerlowerss the water table the water table Desertification caused by deforestation and Desertification caused by deforestation and

drought cause the Sahara desert to spread drought cause the Sahara desert to spread southward by 10km a yearsouthward by 10km a year

Unsustainable Farming MethodsUnsustainable Farming MethodsCAUSECAUSE EFFECTEFFECT

OVERGRAZINGOVERGRAZING Cattle exceed carrying capacityCattle exceed carrying capacityIndication of wealth and importanceIndication of wealth and importanceGRASS CANNOT REGROWGRASS CANNOT REGROWSOIL EROSIONSOIL EROSIONDESERTIFICTIONDESERTIFICTION

OVERCULTIVATION. FARMERS OVERCULTIVATION. FARMERS ARE FORCED TO GROW CROPS ARE FORCED TO GROW CROPS ON POOR LANDON POOR LAND

THE CONTINUAL USE OF THE SOIL THE CONTINUAL USE OF THE SOIL LEADS TO LOSS OF SOIL STRUCTURE. LEADS TO LOSS OF SOIL STRUCTURE. THE SOIL IS EASILY BLOWN AWAY BY THE SOIL IS EASILY BLOWN AWAY BY DESERT WINDSDESERT WINDSSOIL EROSIONSOIL EROSIONDESERTIFICATIONDESERTIFICATION

DEFORESTATION. TREES ARE DEFORESTATION. TREES ARE REMOVED FOR FUEL AND TO REMOVED FOR FUEL AND TO CLEAR LAND FOR CROPSCLEAR LAND FOR CROPS

REDUCED TRANSPIRATION OF REDUCED TRANSPIRATION OF MOISTURE FROM PLANTS LEADS TO MOISTURE FROM PLANTS LEADS TO LESS RAINFALLLESS RAINFALLANIMAL MANURE USED AS FUEL ANIMAL MANURE USED AS FUEL INSTEAD OF WOOD. NO LONGER INSTEAD OF WOOD. NO LONGER USED TO FERTILIZE THE GROUNDUSED TO FERTILIZE THE GROUNDREDUCED CROP COVER REDUCED CROP COVER

Effects of overpopulationEffects of overpopulation

Socio-economicSocio-economic– Soil degradationSoil degradation– Cash crops on valuable landCash crops on valuable land– Increasing populationIncreasing population– Farmers more sedentaryFarmers more sedentary– Refugees not self reliantRefugees not self reliant

EnvironmentalEnvironmental– Change in rainfall patternsChange in rainfall patterns– Conflict over waterConflict over water

OVERPOPULATION AND INCOMEOVERPOPULATION AND INCOME

Areas with highest birth rates and highest levels of Areas with highest birth rates and highest levels of population growthpopulation growth have the highest levels of have the highest levels of povertypoverty

poorer countries have a higher birth ratepoorer countries have a higher birth rate Children are seen as economic assetsChildren are seen as economic assets In high income families – children an economic In high income families – children an economic

liability - $liability - $10100,000 to rear child 1-18yrs0,000 to rear child 1-18yrs Education of women central to decline in birth rateEducation of women central to decline in birth rate UN Development Programme:UN Development Programme: 1.3 billion live on less than .77 cent a day1.3 billion live on less than .77 cent a day 800 million people do not get enough to eat800 million people do not get enough to eat 500 million are chronically malnourished500 million are chronically malnourished

Impact of Income levels on Impact of Income levels on developmentdevelopment

Highest BR and Pop growth = Highest levels of Highest BR and Pop growth = Highest levels of povertypoverty

Poor people = larger families, economic assetPoor people = larger families, economic asset High population density not sole indicator of High population density not sole indicator of

poverty & populationpoverty & population High income families – children an economic High income families – children an economic

liabilityliability Education of women central to decline in birth Education of women central to decline in birth

raterate

Income levels and developmentIncome levels and developmentKenyaKenya

Pop 39.8mPop 39.8m Density of 69kmDensity of 69km poor, mainly rural poor, mainly rural Stage 2Stage 2 Population growing rapidly Population growing rapidly

(fertility rates high)(fertility rates high) 42% of pop= 1-14age group42% of pop= 1-14age group Low incomesLow incomes Women low social statusWomen low social status Low quality education and Low quality education and

health serviceshealth services Infrastructure poorInfrastructure poor Foreign investment weakForeign investment weak Underemployment and Underemployment and

unemployment highunemployment high Low pop density but is Low pop density but is

overpopulatedoverpopulated

South Korea South Korea Pop 49mPop 49m Density of 487kmDensity of 487km Successful economy, exports Successful economy, exports

orientated orientated Stage 4Stage 4 Population growing slowlyPopulation growing slowly Economy developed per Economy developed per

capita income improvedcapita income improved High quality education and High quality education and

healthhealth Densely populated Densely populated Modern lifestyle and a good Modern lifestyle and a good

standard of livingstandard of living Unemployment remains low Unemployment remains low High pop density but it is not High pop density but it is not

overpopulated overpopulated

Impact of technology on population:Impact of technology on population:medical technology medical technology

World pop doubled in 40yrsWorld pop doubled in 40yrs Medical research has developed vaccinations as Medical research has developed vaccinations as

preventative measurespreventative measures Improved access to family planningImproved access to family planning Vaccinations have been developed to cure/prevent Vaccinations have been developed to cure/prevent

infections ie. Measles etcinfections ie. Measles etc Infant mortality rates decreased Infant mortality rates decreased Some are cheap and administrated in primitive Some are cheap and administrated in primitive

conditions by use of syringeconditions by use of syringe BBetter education more women starting families lateretter education more women starting families later Rate of increase not as rapid as a resultRate of increase not as rapid as a result Geneline therapy promised to eliminate fatal human Geneline therapy promised to eliminate fatal human

diseasesdiseases

Impact of technology on population:Impact of technology on population:agricultural technologyagricultural technology

Increase in food supply leads to longer life expectancyIncrease in food supply leads to longer life expectancy

AdvanceAdvance ResultsResults 1.1. Improved fertilisers pesticides, herbicides Improved fertilisers pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, and fungicides,

Increased yields, reduce crop lossIncreased yields, reduce crop loss

2. New strains of plants2. New strains of plants Able to grow and thrive in strained Able to grow and thrive in strained conditionsconditions

3. Chemicals 3. Chemicals New pesticides and herbicides allow New pesticides and herbicides allow food to thrivefood to thrive

4. Glasshouses4. Glasshouses Able to grow plants in artificial Able to grow plants in artificial conditions all year roundconditions all year round

5. Machinery 5. Machinery Harvesters, planters, pickers gather Harvesters, planters, pickers gather more crops increasing yields, allow more crops increasing yields, allow more land to be cultivatedmore land to be cultivated

6. Selective animal 6. Selective animal breedingbreeding

Increased meat and milk yields from Increased meat and milk yields from each animaleach animal

7. Irrigation 7. Irrigation Brings formerly dry land into Brings formerly dry land into productionproduction

HIVHIV

Causing Rising death rates in India and AfricaCausing Rising death rates in India and Africa Expensive antiretrovial drugs can help but not Expensive antiretrovial drugs can help but not

reaching those that need themreaching those that need them MNC’s wont allow cheaper version of the drug to MNC’s wont allow cheaper version of the drug to

be madebe made South Africa 5.7m people are HIV positiveSouth Africa 5.7m people are HIV positive

– Policy change now allows HIV positive mothers Policy change now allows HIV positive mothers to be treated so they wont pass it on to to be treated so they wont pass it on to childrenchildren

People in south are not malnourished People in south are not malnourished because of a lack of food but because of a lack of food but because they are priced out of their because they are priced out of their reachreach

EU food mountains formed with EU food mountains formed with excess foodexcess food

Excess food sometimes sold to south Excess food sometimes sold to south but at very high pricesbut at very high prices

Ecological footprint and sustainabilityEcological footprint and sustainability Ecological footprint - Area of Ecological footprint - Area of forest land, forest land,

agricultural land, recreational space etcagricultural land, recreational space etc required required by by a person to livea person to live

Several hectares per person in the developed world Several hectares per person in the developed world V less than 1 hectare in developing worldV less than 1 hectare in developing world

2006 Switzerland 5.6 hectares2006 Switzerland 5.6 hectares BBut China 1.8 hectaresut China 1.8 hectares Sustainability is based on the recognition that when Sustainability is based on the recognition that when

a resource is consumed faster that it is produced or a resource is consumed faster that it is produced or renewed the source runs outrenewed the source runs out

Technology can make a positive differenceTechnology can make a positive difference Developed world needs to change – buy food Developed world needs to change – buy food

locally, reduce air travel etclocally, reduce air travel etc

GM foods & The Green GM foods & The Green RevolutionRevolution

Green Revolution – increase in food production, Green Revolution – increase in food production, technology and research in 1960’stechnology and research in 1960’s

GM food (Genetically Modified) have potential to GM food (Genetically Modified) have potential to reduce/eliminate food shortages reduce/eliminate food shortages

Modified for desired traits e.g. Disease resistance, Modified for desired traits e.g. Disease resistance, increase yield up to 5 times, increase salt increase yield up to 5 times, increase salt tolerancetolerance, increase nutritional value, increase nutritional value

India pop increase from 361m to 1094m could not India pop increase from 361m to 1094m could not be fed without GM foodbe fed without GM food

Disadvantages:Disadvantages:– Expensive products and equipmentExpensive products and equipment

Unavailable to small farmers who need them Unavailable to small farmers who need them mostmost

– Oil derived fertilisers- non renewable resourceOil derived fertilisers- non renewable resource– Genetic diversity reduced – farmers Genetic diversity reduced – farmers

abandoning traditional crops for higher yielding abandoning traditional crops for higher yielding GM foodsGM foods

Population growth and developed Population growth and developed countriescountries

Developed countries are in stage 4 and 5 Developed countries are in stage 4 and 5 Agricultural and industrial revolution Agricultural and industrial revolution

caused economic growth in Europecaused economic growth in Europe Tax revenue allowed for continued Tax revenue allowed for continued

investment in health and educationinvestment in health and education Increase in life expectancy and lower birth Increase in life expectancy and lower birth

raterate Today high standards of living , aging Today high standards of living , aging

population and high GNPpopulation and high GNP

Population growth and developing Population growth and developing countriescountries

Stage 2 many countries experiencing high population Stage 2 many countries experiencing high population growthgrowth

30% under the age of 14yrs30% under the age of 14yrs Increase need of food, infrastructureIncrease need of food, infrastructure, education, education and and

servicesservices Civil wars, corrupts leadership and MNC’sCivil wars, corrupts leadership and MNC’s Not experiencing economic development in the same way Not experiencing economic development in the same way

that Europe did as due to unfair trading systemsthat Europe did as due to unfair trading systems Migration to shanty towns – cities pop can double in 15yrsMigration to shanty towns – cities pop can double in 15yrs Low incomes cannot afford to invest in education and Low incomes cannot afford to invest in education and

healthhealth Large families needed to provide economic securityLarge families needed to provide economic security Very young age dependency ratioVery young age dependency ratio Population growth increase in rural-urban migrationPopulation growth increase in rural-urban migration Brain drain: leave to find well paid work else whereBrain drain: leave to find well paid work else where Loss slows down economic progress in country of origin Loss slows down economic progress in country of origin

Over population impacts on society and Over population impacts on society and culture in Bangladeshculture in Bangladesh

Poor countryPoor country, flood plain of Ganges & Bramaputra, flood plain of Ganges & Bramaputra Primary economic activity: agriculturePrimary economic activity: agriculture Population: 158 million+Population: 158 million+ 28% urban areas28% urban areas 1100 per km squared1100 per km squared Causes of over populationCauses of over population

– Risk of floodingRisk of floodingLow lying deltaLow lying deltaAnnual monsoon season, typhoonsAnnual monsoon season, typhoons over Bay of Bengal over Bay of Bengal1m of water floods 20% of Bangladesh land1m of water floods 20% of Bangladesh landSterilises agri land and contanimates waterSterilises agri land and contanimates water Infection: typhoid and choleraInfection: typhoid and cholera

Social Factors:Social Factors:– Stage 3Stage 3 (late expanding stage) (late expanding stage)– Birth Rates declining with family Birth Rates declining with family

planningplanning (difficult due to Muslim faith) (difficult due to Muslim faith)– 4 births per mother in 1990 but only 2.6 4 births per mother in 1990 but only 2.6

in 2011in 2011– Muslim: Marry young,Muslim: Marry young, arranged arranged

marriages,marriages, desire for sons desire for sons– Adult literacy rate only 47%Adult literacy rate only 47%

Effects of overpopulation Effects of overpopulation BangladeshBangladesh

MigrationMigration– Land scarceLand scarce, live in vulnerable areas, greater , live in vulnerable areas, greater

risk,risk,– Rural to urban migration, Rural to urban migration, Dhaka, Dhaka, lack skills, lack skills,

live in shanty townslive in shanty towns outside city outside city OvercrowdingOvercrowding

– Both rural and urban areasBoth rural and urban areas– Shanty towns= high mortality ratesShanty towns= high mortality rates, high , high

unemployment, povertyunemployment, poverty– Women, find jobs as dWomen, find jobs as domestic servantsomestic servants in in

Persian GulfPersian Gulf- remittance- remittance

2006 Question2006 Question SahelSahel Definition of OPDefinition of OP CausesCauses

– Climate changeClimate change– Pop growthPop growth– Farming methodsFarming methods– Resources running outResources running out

EffectsEffects– Socio economicSocio economic– Soil damageSoil damage– Farming ImpossibleFarming Impossible– Increasing RefugeesIncreasing Refugees– Cash cropsCash crops– Lake chadLake chad– EnvironmentalEnvironmental– Change of rainfallChange of rainfall