Lesson seven: Youthful Populations Learning intentions: We are learning about youthful populations Success criteria: I can explain what a youthful population is and can give an example of a youthful population. I can suggest the causes of a youthful population. I can discuss the consequences for a youthful population.

Starter

What is a youthful population? A youthful population is defined as a population in which the numbers of young dependents (under 16s) is increasing relative to the number of 20-64 year olds. It is mostly developing countries who have youthful population as they tend to have more children & larger families. For example, in Honduras 50% of people are under the age of 19.

Just for your information In the literature and exams, sometimes a youthful population is called rapidly growing population.

Tanzania case study Population 49.3 million Birth rate 40% Death rate 9% Natural increase 3% Life expectancy 61 years % under 15 45% % over 65 Fertility rate per woman 5.3 % of urban population 28% GNI per capita US$ 630 DTM stage End of stage 2

Tanzania case study Tanzania is a developing country located in East Africa. It has a high birth rate and a low death rate, which means the population is growing rapidly: it is at the end of stage 2 of the DTM. Tanzania has a young population with an average age of 17. This means that the majority of the population is yet to get married and have babies. Tanzania population study Video 1.40mins long.

Note that the areas of the world where there are a large number of people under the age of 30 are mainly in developing countries.

High % of economically active High birth rate High % of economically active

Why is birth rate so high? Discuss with your partner reasons why developing countries have high birth rates Be prepared to share your ideas with the class

Why is birth rate so high? Conservative and traditional values – large family is seen as normal. Religious values – 10million (1/5th of the country) are Catholics and abortion is taboo. More difficult and costly to obtain contraception and advice on family planning.

Why is birth rate so high? Agriculture – children can work on farm or earn a wage to support family. No pension so children look after parents in old age. Female literacy rate is 67% - many marry young and go on to have 5-6 children. Disease – infant mortality is high (45%) so parents have many children to compensate.

What are the consequences of a youthful population Look at the picture on the next few slides and write down what you think the consequence of a youthful population is.

A rapidly growing population will put pressure on resources such as housing, and overcrowding in urban areas will result. Many residents may end up living in shanty towns with poor sanitation, leading to rapid spread of disease.

Unemployment or underemployment may be high due to a large workforce and not enough jobs. Families will not be able to afford essentials such as food and water.

The government needs to build more schools and hospitals The government needs to build more schools and hospitals. The Tanzanian government do not have the money to build enough facilities, so people suffer from poor services.

Literacy rate 68% More teachers need to be trained in order for everyone to obtain a decent quality of education. However this is expensive so many children may not receive an education, lowering literacy rates and hindering development.

The government must work hard to attract investment from national and international companies to create more jobs. The government will continue to receive foreign aid to fund the programmes needed to develop the country.

Population may outstrip resources and Tanzania may face issues relating to land degradation if land is over-cultivated or not left fallow to recover nutrients.

Task 4 Pages 10-11. Suggest the possible consequences of the 2050 population structure for the future economy of Malawi and the welfare of its citizens. (6)

Task 7 perfect answer Malawi will struggle to meet financial obligations in relation to the growing demand for childcare services such as midwives and education, removing finance from other priority areas of development.  Many children will not receive an education, lowering literacy rates and hindering development in countries with youthful populations.  A youthful population will put pressure on resources such as housing. Many residents may end up living in shanty towns with poor levels of sanitation, leading to rapid spread of disease. 

Task 7 perfect answer Population may outstrip resources and Malawi may face issues relating to land degradation if land is over-cultivated or not left to recover nutrients.  As children reach adulthood, Malawi will struggle to provide enough employment, leading to unemployment and poverty. Families may not be able to afford essentials such as food and water.  However, Malawi may be able to use the young people to attract inward investment, leading to job prospects and investment in infrastructure, benefitting all residents of Malawi. 

Success criteria I can explain what a youthful population is and can give an example of a youthful population. I can suggest the causes of a youthful population. I can discuss the consequences for a youthful population.

Plenary You are the president of Tanzania. You have been given foreign aid to help increase the development of the country. Place these areas in order of improvement, from the most important to the least. Health Education Roads/railways/airports Reducing/clearing national debt Defence Research and development