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Uganda Case Study – Future Population and the Environment (Autosaved)
Human Geography
Sixth Form (A Levels)
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Uganda Case Study – Future Population and the Environment
- Population characteristics
Age 0 – 14 years make up 51% of population. This shows a high BR and in future possibly ageing population. Uganda’s population has become significantly youthful. 15 – 64 years make up 46% of population. 65 years and over make up 2% of population. This shows a high death rate.
The dependency ratio has increased significantly over the years from 100 (1969) to 122 (1995). This trend can be explained by A High fertility rate: 7 Child per woman in 1991. Low contraceptive prevalence: 16%
Future Population
Population Momentum: The high fertility rate and youthful age structure in Uganda has resulted in the build-up of a population momentum. Even if fertility rate were to drop drastically to replacement levels, the population of Uganda would still continue to grow for at least 40 – 50 years. This is implications on the individuals, development, families and the nation, particularly due to its low level of development and technology.
Low IMR, which means the children are living longer, contributing to the large youthful population
- Impacts on the environment
How rural areas will be affected & Agricultural productivity Countries with a youthful and growing population are overwhelmingly likely to be among those considered most vulnerable to climate change, and Uganda is no exception. In Uganda, 80% of the population is rural and depends on rainfed agriculture, so fluctuations in the climate leave the country vulnerable to floods and droughts. In a setting where most people rely on agriculture, even relatively minor changes, like a delay in the rainy season, can wreak widespread effects on the environment and threaten the livelihood of much of the population.
Food Security Uganda’s very high population growth rate of more than three percent for the last 30 years (during which time the population has more than doubled) and its very young age structure are increasing demands for food and energy and straining the country’s current and future natural resources.
Housing and Urbanisation Housing is a basic human need and has implications for health and productivity of a population. Rapid increase in population has not been matched by the growth and development in basic physical infrastructure and the provision of adequate housing and social amenities is not keeping pace with demand. Outcomes include over- crowding, growth of slums and deterioration. Very low numbers have access to electricity and safe drinking water and pit latrines are the dominant form of toilet facility
- Impacts on economic development.
The problem of a youthful population for an economy reliant on agriculture.
The death rate will fall but less significantly. – narrow apex Narrower base, so birth rate will fall. The middle age population will increase, perhaps mainly due to the previous children born in the when there was a larger birth rate. However, population will double and over in 35 years.
Stage 1 of the DTM Transitioning to Stage 2
- Impacts on welfare and health
How does a high fertility rate impact on women and girls?
The median age at first marriage for women ages is 18 years in Uganda, while the median age at first birth is 19 years. Women with secondary education marry three to four years later than women with no education. Since age at first birth affects a woman’s final family size, delaying the age of marriage can have a significant effect on total fertility rates.
- Government policies to address the above issues/problems
What kinds of policies does the government need to introduce to address the impacts of a growing population?
Increase investments in family planning and reproductive health.
Support programs that respond to the needs of a large number of youth and focus on education, vocational training and jobs.
Develop integrated approaches to climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability.
Strengthen efforts to integrate family planning within broader health policies such as maternal health
and HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.
Outline where the government has been successful.
The challenge of Uganda’s youthful age structure is making significant progress in some areas. Its production of cereals has more than doubled in the past 25 years, a rate higher than five other East African countries. Uganda is much more food secure than its neighbours: Only 15 percent of the country’s population is undernourished, the lowest rate in East Africa. However, closer examination reveals a number of trends that are less favourable for much of Uganda’s development. Throughout them, the youthful age structure is likely to exacerbate the challenges that lie ahead.
Uganda Case Study – Future Population and the Environment (Autosaved)
Subject: Human Geography
Sixth Form (A Levels)
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