Youthful populations (The Gambia)

Question 1

Background

Answer 1

Life expectancy in The Gambia is 55 years
Infant mortality is 73:1000
The population is excepted to double every 28 years
Dependency ratio is 92%
Government is trying to slow down the birth rate by working with NGOs

Question 2

Managing resources

Answer 2

More pressure on resources
Vast deforestation - all wood is excepted to be cleared in the next 50 years. 700 km squared of wood has been cut down
The government is trying to stop the rate of deforestation by educating people on using forests responsibility
In GEORGETOWN land has been cleared for animals and housing

Question 3

Why so many people

Answer 3

Birth rate is 40:1000 (3 x the normal MEDC rate)
Lack of brith control
Women don’t get a choice on how many people they have
95% of the population is Muslim (so contraception is used)
Children are needed to work on farms in rural areas

Question 4

Implications

Answer 4

Not enough houses
High levels of unemployment which results in poverty and hunger
In SETUNDA there are no proper roads
Many houses don’t have running water / proper sanitation. Many cant afford electricity
Government can’t afford to improve infrastructure

Question 5

Contraception and health

Answer 5

11 mothers die for every 1000 children born
1/10 children die before their first birthday
Lack of awareness about birth control but adverts have been made to increase awareness
New healthcare centres are being built to improve the healthcare of mother and child
Children have access to 3 vaccinations which lower infant mortality

Question 6

Education

Answer 6

No money to build new schools, which mean that children only get half a day of education
Teachers work a 12 hour day
Lack of books, resources and toilets