Advantages And Disadvantages of Over-population has become one of the most widely discussed global issues because many countries are experiencing rapid population growth, increasing pressure on natural resources, public services, economic planning, and environmental sustainability, and this makes the topic very important for students, researchers, and policymakers who seek to understand how population size shapes development and living conditions.
Table Of Contents
- Meaning of over-population
- Causes of Over-population
- Advantages And Disadvantages Of Over-Population
- Advantages of over-population
- Disadvantages of over-population
- Revision Questions
Meaning Of Over-Population
Over-population is defined as a situation whereby the population is considered too large for the available resources, for people to enjoy the highest possible standard of living. In other words, over-population refers to a situation where the population exceed the available resources.
Causes of Over-Population
Over-population is caused by several factors such as high birth rates, reduced mortality due to improved healthcare, cultural practices that encourage large families, rural-urban migration, lack of family planning awareness, early marriages, and technological advancements that prolong life expectancy, all of which contribute to a growing population that outpaces available resources
Advantages And Disadvantages of Over-Population
Advantages
1. Large labour: High population provide large labour force for Industries.
2. Large market: High population is a source of large market for the goods produced by the Industries.
3. Effective planning: With large population concentration in an area, there is need for effective planning so that the towns can function properly.
4. Togetherness: Many people are brought together and this can promote unity among the diverse people in the country.
5. Quick information dissemination: Because people stay everywhere in this areas, it is very easy for information to go round quickly.
6. Defense: Organized army in such area is possible.
7. Increase in revenue: Government generate more revenue from income taxes and other sources.
8. Export of manpower: Manpower is exported to this regions to enable them to earn foreign exchange
Disadvantages Of Over-Population
There are so many disadvantages of over-population, These include the following:
1. Pressure on natural resources: Natural resources like fertile farmlands become over exploited when there is high population growth in an area.
2. Increase in crime wave: Areas of high population densities are usually associated with high crime rate like armed robbery, car snatching and hired assassins. This may be due to lack of jobs; hence, people resort to crimes.
3. Insufficient food: As a result of the high influx of people into an area, there will not be sufficient food to cater for high population, which leads to food shortage, especially in developing countries.
4. Unemployment/under-employment: Areas of high population densities usually do not have enough jobs for the ever increasing influx of people. This leads to unemployment and under-employment.
5. Inadequate housing: High population concentration leads to poor accommodation as the houses available may not be enough for the high population.
6. Traffic congestion: Many people travel on the roads at the same time and this leads to traffic congestion most of the time.
7. Environmental pollution: Poor housing, pressure on natural resources and social facilities do lead to environmental pollution.
8. Pressure on social amenities: Social amenities like pipe-borne water and electricity are usually overstressed by the influx of people into an area.
9. Inadequate health services: This is very common in developing countries and there are many cases of disease outbreak in areas of high population concentration.
10. Development of slums ghettos: High population concentration leads to the development of slumps and ghettos which are associated with poor standard of living.
STUDY ALSO: Least Populated Countries in the World and their Features
Revision Questions
- What is over-population?
- State five advantages of over-population.
- Outline seven disadvantages of over-population in an area.
Conclusion
Over-population remains a major issue affecting economies, societies, and environments around the world, and although it offers certain advantages such as a larger workforce and bigger markets, the disadvantages are often much more significant, including increased pressure on resources, unemployment, environmental degradation, and reduced quality of life, highlighting the need for strong population policies, effective family planning, and sustainable development strategies.