Overpopulation : Nigeria, Lagos Flashcards
1
Q
Define overpopulation.
A
When there are too many people and not enough resources to support them.
2
Q
Causes of overpopulation :
1) High birth rate
A
- High birth rate, leading to high natural growth rate :
- Cultural / Religious reasons for high birth rate :
Many lack access to contraceptives. Religious society, meaning use of contraceptives is
often frowned on. Some societies view large families as a sign of prestige. Many societies practice polygamy. - Children are viewed as an extra way for making income
- High rates of child mortality mean many feel the need to have more children as a safeguard, for if some don’t make it adulthood
- Lack sexual education and awareness of family planning.
- Evidence :
High fertility rates ( Nigeria : 5.5 per woman )
Birth rate ( 39 per 1000 )
Nigeria occupies 3% of Africa, but holds 15% of Africa’s entire population
3
Q
Causes of overpopulation :
2) Large migration rates
A
Large migration rates into the city ( rural - urban cities )
- Many look for employment ( Lagos is the most economically important state in Nigeria )
- Greater security ( e.g. police forces ) in the city ( e.g. Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria )
- Higher wages
- Better infrastructures ( hospitals, schools, public services, )
- Evidence : Lagos has international airports ( better transport )
4
Q
Causes of overpopulation :
3) Low emigration rates, lack of resources
A
- Low migration rates out of the city : Thousands come into the city, with less than 1% leaving
- Lack of essential resources : Not enough water supply, shelter, and resulting in over straining of resources and overcrowding of hospitals, schools and homes.
5
Q
Consequences of overpopulation :
1) Social
A
- Severely overpopulated slums ( inadequate housing leading to informal / squatter settlements ). More than 50 people can share one bathroom, sink and living space. Entire families are crammed into one room. Many of Lagos’ 9 million people live in shanty towns and dustbin estates ( e.g. Makoko )
- Overstrain infrastructure and services
- Increase political instability
- Poor quality drinking water, improper sanitation, food shortages
- Inadequate healthcare, and diseases spread easily because of there being so many people packed so closely together ( e.g. rickets )
- Lack of education
- Starvation, malnutrition, poor diet with ill health and diet deficiency
6
Q
Consequences of overpopulation :
2) Economic
A
- Youth unemployment rates are about 50%. Many come into Lagos because there are no employment in the states of Nigeria where they live ( migration into the country )
- Increase in crime rates. Rise of militant groups ( e.g. Boko Haram ). Due to unemployment rates / lack of education, and therefore driven to desperation because of lack of food, money, etc. ( theft )
- Prices increase as resources become scarce, results in an increase in poverty.
- Low gross production - low GDP ( weakened economy
- 70% earn less than $1 a day
7
Q
Consequences of overpopulation :
3) Environmental
A
- Congestion. Caused by the huge number of vehicles as the people increase. Congestion leads to air pollution ( e.g. CO2 )
- Because of the need for shelter, housing projects are built in waterways and drainages, causing water pollution. Leads to increasing number of water-born diseases, food resources becoming less due to extinction of fish
8
Q
Solutions of overpopulation :
A
- Good governance ( picking up trash, development of better roads, general development, etc )
- Development of BRT ( bus rapid transit system ) - main traffic lane dedicated for buses
- Possible tourism & buildings on water. E.g. Makoko floating school allows children who cannot get to school to receive an education.
- Construct shopping and office complexes to attract foreign investment. Includes market vendors and land owners to give them better opportunities. E.g. Three - storey shopping mall on Victoria island. Government promised them shops in the new building, collect rent from tenants, and own the property in 30 years.
