UNIT FOUR

Issues in Sustainable Development II:

Population, Policies, Programs and the Environment
4.1. Theories on Population Growth and Development
Conservative Versus Radical Theories

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 1. Malthusian Theory
 Thomas Robert Malthus(1766-1834) was an influential
English economist, demographer and clergyman,
proposed Malthusian population theory.
 The emergence of modern population theories is related
to writing of Malthus, in the late 18thC.
 Malthus believed that while food production increase
linearly or arithmetical progression(1,2,3,4,…etc.) and
population rises geometrically(1,2,4,8,..etc.).
 Therefore, population growth tends to outstrip(exceed)
food supply resulting in poverty and hunger.
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  Malthus suggest that a number of ‘checks’ would serve to
keep the population at a level of subsistence (i.e., food
supply ceiling). These are “Preventive checks” and
”Positives checks”.
 Preventive checks: The key preventive checks suggested
by Malthus was ‘moral restraints’, such as late marriage,
avoiding sexual contact before marriage and having
fewer children.
 However, Malthus was against family planning methods,
he was totally against artificial methods of birth controls.
 Positive checks: The positive checks, according to
Malthus, includes every causes that shorten the natural
duration of human life.
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  Example of positive checks suggested by Malthus
includes, war, disease, famine and poor living conditions.
 Malthus holds pessimistic views of population, he
suggest that human suffering and misery is inevitable
due to population level exceeding food availability.
 Malthus believed that the main causes of high
population growth rate is the fast breeding of the lower
classes (i.e., the poor).
 In general, Malthus believed that the “hot passion or
sexual urge” of people would lead to overpopulation,
which, in turn , would results in poverty & catastrophes.
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 2. Neo-Malthusianism
 Neo-Malthusianism is a contemporary perspective derived
from the arguments of Malthus.
 New-Malthusians’ views population growth as the main
causes of poverty, but unlike Malthus, it sees birth control as
a solution.
 Neo-Malthusians believed that reducing population size will
decrease social problems, alleviate human suffering and lead
to economic growth and better living conditions.
 They argue that high population in developing countries
leads to poverty, rapid urbanization, unemployment and
political instability.
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  They attribute these problem to poor who have more
children due to ignorance and lack of foresight.
 Family planning programs are seen as an efficient and
cost-effective way to address these issues.
Evidence of Malthus and Neo-Malthusian Prediction
 Neo-Malthusians argue that example of recurring
famine, such as in Ethiopia and Somalia, are evidence of
positive check on population growth.
Critics
 Critics argue that the Malthusian and Neo-Malthusian
perspective on population is flawed (faulty) and harmful.
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  They solely blame poverty on human reproduction in
developing countries, ignores the complex social and
economic factors that contribute to poverty.
 They also argue that these views neglected improve the
living conditions of the lower classes.
 Contrary to Malthusian predictions, world food
production has increased faster than population growth,
indicating that distribution rather than scarcity the main
problem.
 Developing nations want to define and address their
population problems in their own way.

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  Population growth is seen as a symptom of development
problems, not the cause.
 Malthusian and Neo-Malthusians views are seen as
ethnocentric because they evaluate reproductive behavior
of developing countries based on western European
criteria is unfair.
 They focus on direct population controls ignores the root
causes of poverty and unequal resource consumption.
 The focus should on sustainable development and
equitable resource distribution as a solution to poverty,
not solely on population controls.

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 Radical Theories
1. Ester Boserup’s Hypothesis
 Ester Boserup (1910-1999) was a Danish economist of
the 20thC. She developed a “Theory on population and
Agriculture” in 1965.
 Boserup took an empirical approach to the relationship
between population growth and food production rather
than Malthus deductive approach.
 Ester Boserup hypothesis state that population growth
stimulates innovation and development in agriculture,
leading to an increase in food production. In this regard,
she said that “Necessity is the mother of invention”.
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  Unlike Malthus, she believed that population growth is a
major factor determining agricultural development.
 she argues that there is connection between population
and technology, with population change being a
determinant of technological change and technological
change being a determinant of demographic change.
 She also suggests that increase in population pressure
leads to change in agricultural system with intensified
farming methods in order to produce extra food to meet
demand.
 Population growth and agricultural output fuel each
other, leading to economic growth.
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  Boserup hypothesis conclude that population growth
naturally lead to development rather than hindering it.
 she argued that technological advancement would ensure
that food supply would keep up with population growth.
 She based her idea on field studies in southeast Asia and
made several assumption about the relationship between
population and agriculture.
Critics of Ester Boserup’s Hypothesis
 Boserup’s hypothesis is based on a weak economic basis
and only applies to the agricultural production in
developing countries.
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  Boserup’s hypothesis ignores the latest technological
advances in industrialized world and assume that all
communities are isolated and simple.
 Boserup’s hypothesis idea lacks any universal appeal
because it is based on assumption of an unsophisticated
and closed communities.
 Boserup’s hypothesis is does not account for the
qualitative aspect of diet and nutrition. Though the
change in agricultural techniques suggested by Boserup,
it is possible that output may increase but the overall
quality of diet and nutrition may decline.

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  Boserup’s hypothesis does not considered the time lag
between population growth and agricultural innovation,
which may lead to food shortage and environmental
degradation. The innovation in agriculture cannot be
accepted to occur immediately.
 Boserup’s hypothesis does not recognize the limit of
certain fragile ecosystem, which may not be sustain high
population densities and increased agricultural
production.
 Overpopulation can lead to degraded land and that
continuing, increase of production may not be possible in
certain physical environment.
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 2. Julian Simon-The ’Ultimate Resource’ Theory
 Julian Simon (1932-1997) was a US economist and
statistician who challenged the Malthusian view that
population growth would lead to resource scarcity and
environmental degradation.
 Simon argued that population growth was beneficial
because it increased the stock of useful knowledge and
human innovation, which could overcome any resource
limitations.
 Simon also claimed that natural resources were not finite
in any economic sense, as their cost and availability
depended on human ingenuity and technology.
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 Simon suggested that the world food production has
increased per person in both developed and developing
countries since World War II.
 Simon believed that food shortages and famines are caused
by political factors, such as lack of free markets, property
rights, and democracy, rather than population pressure.
Simon criticized the West for undermining the developing
countries' farmers by subsidizing their own agriculture and
lowering the world prices of food.
 western subsidies hurts developing countries: by artificial
inflating food, western subsidies undermine agriculture in
developing countries.
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 3. The Marxian Perspective
 Karl Marx (1818-1883) was an influential German
economist, revolutionary, political thinker, sociologist,
socialist and all round major figure historian.
The Marxian Perspective on Poverty and Resource Depletion:
 According to Karl Marx, poverty and resource depletion
are not caused by population growth, but rather by the
unequal distribution of resources between social classes.
(i.e., the capitalist (ruling) class and the working class
(proletariat).
In a capitalist society, where resources are owned and
controlled by a small capitalist or land-owning class, there is
always the potential for poverty and hunger.
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Marx argues that peasants and working poor have little
bargaining power compared to landlords and capitalists,
which leads to their poverty and inability to access basic
necessities.
 Marx also suggests that capitalism creates a surplus
population by physically separating producers (peasants,
artisans, workers) from their means of production (land,
machinery, tools, etc.).
 He believes that the capitalist class further aggravates
poverty by destroying traditional farming and production
methods through mechanization and changes in land usage
and tenure.
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 As a result, the poor are forced to rely solely on wage labor to
acquire the means of consumption, such as food, clothing, and
shelter.
Marx's arguments:
1. Unequal distribution of resources: When wealth and resources are
concentrated in the hands of a few, the majority lack access to basic
necessities like food, shelter, and education.
2. Exploitation of labor: Under capitalism, workers are paid less than
the full value of their labor, creating profits for the capitalist class.
3. Destruction of traditional livelihoods: Mechanization and changes
in land ownership displace peasants and artisans, forcing them into
wage labor and increasing dependence on the capitalist system.

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 Marx’s solution to the problem of overpopulation was
socialism with a new economic structure of society with a
new social order.
4.2. Population Policies
 A population policy is a policy that is formulated and
implemented by a government in order to plan and control
population growth, spatial distribution and structure based
on the economic, social, cultural, political, and demographic
conditions of the country.
 Population policy is needed mainly to address population-
related problems in a country.

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 There are two broad categories of population policies:
 Pro- natalist policies and
 Anti- natalist
Pro- natalist policies
 Aim to increase fertility rates and population growth.
 Often used in countries with declining birth rates, aging
populations or labor shortage.
 Common tools include:
 Financial incentives: Maternity pay, child care subsidies,
housing loans.
 Family-friendly policies: Flexible work hours, parental leave.
Propaganda and social messages: encouraging childbirth.
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Some example of countries that implement pro- natalist
policies are Germany, France, Sweden, Italy, and Spain since
the 1930s.
Anti- Natalist Policies
 Seek to lower fertility rates and population growth.
 More common in countries with rapid population growth or
resource concerns.
Main tool: Family planning programs with access to
contraception and reproductive health services.
 China's "one-child policy“ was one of the most well-known
anti-natalist policies, which aimed to reduce fertility rates
and address concerns about overpopulation.
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 Additionally:
 Governments also influence fertility indirectly through
economic and social policies.
 Immigration can be used as an alternative to both pro- and
anti-natalist policies.
4.3. Measures Taken to Curb the Growth Rate of Population
 Measures have been taken at national, regional and
international level to control the rapid growth of the world
population and its impacts on resource.
 In 1974 World Population conference was held in Bucharest,
Romania, where 136 countries agreed to a World Population
Plan Action. This plan emphasized the need for family
planning programs and reducing population growth rates,
particularly in less developed countries
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YABERUS WOLKITE
 In 1994, an International Conference on Population and
Development held in Cairo aimed to link population issues
into development agendas.
 However, despite these efforts, the global population
continues to increase at a rate of about 1.5 % per year, and if
this continues, it will double within half (50years) a century.
 Additionally, advancements in medical technology have
increased life expectancy but have also led to a larger
number of elderly people who require support from younger
individuals.

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 The Earth's ability to sustain the human population is a
serious question. Dependence on finite resources for energy
and water is already threatening global stability.
 Improving economic development in developing countries is
leading to changing patterns of demand, as people seek more
comfortable lifestyles. This is putting a strain on resources
and contributing to air quality problems.
 Furthermore, climate change, typically attributed to
developed nations, is now a global issue, making it unlikely
for nations to achieve the targets set at the Kyoto Protocol
(the protocol set mandatory targets for reducing greenhouse
gas emission in countries).
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 Internationally, efforts have been made to address
population issues. In 1994, the United Nations Population
Information Network organized an International Conference
of Parliamentarians on Population and Development in
Cairo.
The Cairo conferences marked a move from population
control to a more humane and equitable perspective.
 The consensus document acknowledged that the pressure on
the natural environment caused by both consumption in
wealthy countries and rapid population growth in poor
countries.

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 The Cairo conference also emphasized addressing root
causes, that is
 Population policies should go beyond family
planning and focus on empowering women through
education, healthcare, economic and political
participation.
Currently, over half of all developing countries have national
population policies, and around 130 national governments
subsidize family planning services.
However, merely(only) having national policy statements
does not guarantee program implementation.

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 The Most Important Population Control Methods
 Child tax: This method involves higher taxation for parents
with more children, providing tax exemptions for a specified
number of children, typically the first two.
 Family planning: is a crucial approach that focuses on
providing safe and voluntary means for individuals to plan
their families. It is also a key factor in reducing poverty and
achieving gender equality. Family planning including:
o Contraception: is a widely used methods of family planning and
population control. It include various methods to prevent pregnancy,
ranging from reversible to irreversible options.
o Information and service access: Combatting lack of knowledge and
resources.
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 One-child policy: This policy was implemented in China in
the late 1970s and early 1980s to limit most families to having
only one child. However, the policy was announced to end in
2016.
Population Control Examples from Various Cultures
China:
 Implemented one-child policy for population control.
 Provided better healthcare and reduced pregnancy
risks for women.
 Offered free contraception and pre-natal classes at
family planning offices.
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India:
 Has focused on women's economic, academic, and social
advancement to control population.
 Increased food production per head to support population growth.
Africa:
 Has the highest birth rates in the world, expected to have 20%
(nearly two billion) of global population by 2050, pose significant
challenges to food production and economic prosperity.
 large population growth is expected in Nigeria, Ethiopia & DRC
 Kenya was one of the first countries in sub-Saharan Africa to
recognize population growth as a challenge and initiated a national
family planning campaign.
 However, rapid population growth, soil erosion, and a lack of gov.t
support for agricultural have contributed to food self-sufficiency
challenges in Africa.
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Global context:
 The Millennium Development Goals aim for sustainable
development, but many countries unlikely to reach their goals
due to high poverty levels.
 Population growth can be seen as a source of strength in terms
of economy, military and politics or a threat to resources and the
environment, depending on management.
Human population planning is a method of intentionally
managing population growth.
Challenges of Population Control
 The challenges of population control include
 Opposition from religious groups,
 Lack of access to reproductive health care and family planning
methods
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  limited awareness and language barriers,
 accessibility of family planning services,
 cultural and religious acceptance, and
 acceptance from both spouses.
4.4. The Relationship between Population and Socio- economic
Development
The Concept of Development
 Development is a complex concept that can vary in meaning
depending on different perspectives.
Some possible definitions include elements such as
industrialization, wealth, education, social systems, and
quality of life improvements.
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 Development is a process by which individuals and society to
enhance their capabilities and manage resources for a better
life.
 The most recent definition of development: Development
represents the whole package of change by which an entire
social system moves away from a condition of life perceived
as unsatisfactory towards a materially and spiritually better
situation.
 There are three main objectives of development in any
society.
 To increase the availability and distribution of basic life-
sustaining goods such as food, shelter, health services, and
clothing.
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  To raise living standards and levels of income, employment,
education and attention to cultural and human values.
 To expand the range of economic and social choices available to
individuals
Strategies to achieve the above objectives
Strategies for Success to achieve economic development:
 Invest in Human Capital: Develop a skilled, healthy, and
energetic workforce.
 Embrace Technology: Utilize modern and environmentally
friendly tools effectively.
 Sustainable Practices: Protect the environment to ensure long-
term development.

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 Measures and Indicators of Development
 Indicators of development are measures of development in a
given country. The most common indicators used to measure
countries development are discussed as follows:
 Gross Domestic Product (GDP): Total value of final goods
and services produced within a country's borders in a year.
The GDP is a measure of the market value of commodities.
 In developing countries, the GDP is low, but and dominated
by primary commodities.
While in developed countries, the GDP is high and
dominated by secondary and tertiary economic activities.
 Higher GDP generally indicates more developed economies.
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 Gross National Product (GNP): Total value of goods and
services produced by a country, including foreign income.
 Per-Capita Income: Average income earned per person in a
year. Calculated by dividing total income by population.
Higher per-capita income suggests a higher standard of
living.
 Per-capita income for developed countries is very high and
growing. Because their economy is based on diversified
urban industrial and commercial economies.
Developing countries, on the other hand, have low per-capita
incomes, whose bases are primary economy that lack
diversification.
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Standard of Living: is the level of income, comforts, and
services available to a society.
Generally standard of living considered the best measure of
overall quality of life. Standard of living linked to both
GDP and per-capita income.
Developed countries have high and constantly growing
living standards, while people of the developing countries
are characterized by low living standards.

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• Developed countries:
• High and growing GDP and GNP.
• High and growing per-capita income.
• High and growing standard of living.
• Diversified economies with strong secondary and tertiary sectors.
• Developing countries:
• Lower GDP and GNP compared to developed countries.
• Lower per-capita income compared to developed countries.
• Lower standard of living compared to developed countries.
• Less diversified economies, often heavily reliant on primary
sectors.

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 Level of Development
 Based on the above and other indicators of development,
countries of the world can be classified as:
• Rich/Poor: Focused on economic wealth.
• Developed/Developing: Based on overall level of development
(economic, social, etc.).
• North/South: Geographic division, often associated with development
differences.
• First/Second World: Cold War terminology related to political and
economic alliances.
• More Developed/Less Developed: Relative comparison of development
levels.
• Developed/Less Developed/Least Developed: Categorization based
on current development status.
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The developed countries are the world’s richest nations.
This is because their economy is urban-based, industrial
and specialized in commercial activities, supported by
sophisticated technology and infrastructure.

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 Developed countries are characterized by high GDP per
capital income, high adult literacy, low population growth
rate, high life expectancy and high percentage of urban
population.
Less developed countries include the bulk of the world’s
countries, which are found in Africa, Latin America, and
Asia. They have traditional economic systems, largely based
on agriculture, mining or a combination of both.
The least developed countries are the poorest nations of the
world. By all standards, these countries have the most
backward economic and social systems. Hence, mass
poverty is a common feature of the majority of the
populations of these countries.
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 The least developed countries are characterized by low
GDP per capital income, low adult literacy, high population
growth rate, low life expectancy and low percentage of
urban population.

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 Classification of Indicators of Development
A. Indicator of Economic Development:
 Primary Indicators:
– GDP/GNP per capita
– Growth rate of GDP and different economic sectors
 These indicators reflect the size and growth of an economy.
B. Indicators of Social Development:
 Focus: Institutions and social norms influencing
development: the ‘soft’ dimensions of development, often
invisible and difficult to measure.
 Key Indicators:
• Social capital (formal and informal institutions)
• Literacy rates (female and male)
• Discrimination and exclusion levels
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 • Educational participation (gender equality)
• Poverty rate
• Access to sanitation
 These indicators reflect social progress and equality.
C. Health and Demographics indicators:
 Indicators:
• Life expectancy at birth
• Infant and child mortality rates
• Maternal mortality ratio
 These indicators reflect health and well-being in a society.
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 Factors of Economic Development
 Economic Factors:
Natural Resources: Availability of resources like land,
minerals, and water provides a foundation for
development.
Capital Expenditure: Access to and efficient use of
capital, including financial resources and
infrastructure, is crucial.
 Technology: Adoption and advancement of technology
in production boosts output and economic growth.

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Non-Economic Factors:
 The Society:
• Labor Force: A skilled and educated workforce drives economic
activity and innovation.
• Social Values: Shared values promoting hard
work, cooperation, and entrepreneurship can accelerate
development.
• Religion and Tradition: While religious teachings can positively
influence values, some traditions may hinder development progress.
• Political Stability: A stable political environment attracts
investment, fosters economic confidence, and facilitates long-term
planning.

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Social Implications of Population Growth in Less Developed
Countries
Rapid population growth can intensify existing social
problems in Less Developed Countries (LDCs).
Food Security: Population growth outstrips food
production gains, leading to hunger and
malnutrition. Unsustainable farming practices might
further worsen the situation.
Education: While enrollment rates improve, the absolute
number of unschooled children increases due to population
growth, straining educational resources.

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Employment: Job creation struggles to keep pace with
population growth, leading to unemployment and
underemployment.
Infrastructure: Existing infrastructure for housing,
sanitation, water, transportation, and energy becomes
insufficient due to rapid population increase, especially in
urban areas.
Overall: Rapid population growth puts immense pressure
on social services and resources in LDCs, hindering
development and human well-being.

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 Population Growth and Environment
A direct link between population growth and environmental
degradation, with growing populations placing strain on
resource availability and waste management.
 Increased Resource Demand: More people require more
resources like food, water, and energy, putting pressure on natural
resource availability.
Greater Waste Generation: Larger populations naturally
produce more waste, challenging waste management systems and
potentially harming ecosystems.
Limited Resources: Earth's resources are finite, and increasing
populations aggravate the strain on their sustainability.
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 4.5. Relationship between Population and Environmental
Health
Concept of Environmental Health
 Environmental health is a broad field that focuses on how
the environment affects human health.
It encompasses the study of various chemical, physical, and
biological agents and their direct impact on health.
 Additionally, it considers the effects of the broader physical
and social environment, such as housing, urban
development, transportation, industry, and agriculture, on
human health.
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 Environmental health also refers to the practice of assessing,
controlling, and preventing environmental factors that can
potentially harm human health, both present and future.
 Environmental health aims to understand and address the
interconnection b/n people and their environment to ensure both
human health and a non- polluted env.t are sustained.
Environmental Health: The Global Sense:
• Sustainable development recognizes environmental health as crucial
for human rights and well-being (SDG3).
• International agreements like Agenda 21 and the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). The key target areas of Agenda 21 are
meeting primary health care in rural areas, controlling
communicable disease and protecting vulnerable groups.
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 Environmental Health Intervention Models
 Clinical Model: Focuses on treating existing diseases, often
being expensive and challenging.
Public Health Model: Aims to control disease-causing
agents already present in the environment.
 Environmental Stewardship Model: Addresses
environmental problems arising from human activities and
natural processes.
Philosophy and Principle related to environmental health:
The philosophy and principles related to environmental
health emphasize the importance of addressing
environmental health issues.
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 Air pollution, which is responsible for millions of deaths
each year, cannot be viewed in isolation.
Environmental degradation, including the degradation of
air, food, water, and ecosystems, contributes significantly to
the global burden of disease. Environmental degradation
causes far more premature deaths than conflicts annually.
 The emergence of new zoonotic diseases like Covid-19,
Zika, Ebola, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome(MERS)
and Sever Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is linked to
factors such as exponential population growth, intensive
livestock breeding, and disturbed environments with
biodiversity loss.
12/18/2023 BY: Mitiku Lejebo YABERUS WOLKITE 52
Strengthening healthy ecosystems is crucial in preventing
or slowing the emergence of these diseases.
Lack of access to clean water and sanitation is a major
cause of diarrheal diseases in low and middle-income
countries.
 Clean air and water, sanitation, green spaces, and safe
workplaces are essential for enhancing people's quality of
life.
They contribute to reduced mortality and morbidity,
healthier lifestyles, improved productivity, and better lives
for women, children, and the elderly. They also play a
crucial role in promoting mental health.
12/18/2023 BY: Mitiku Lejebo YABERUS WOLKITE 53
An integrated approach, supported by evidence linking
poor environmental quality to health, has identified several
priority areas requiring urgent policy attention:
1. Unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, and insufficient hygiene result in
mortality, morbidity, and economic productivity loss. These issues need
to be addressed to ensure access to clean and safe water and improved
sanitation.
2. Poor diet composition, low-quality nutrition, and increased physical
inactivity have contributed to the rise of non-communicable diseases
worldwide. Attention should be given to promoting healthier diets and
encouraging physical activity to combat this trend.
3. Degraded ecosystems and stresses on natural systems have adverse
effects on human health. It is crucial to protect and restore ecosystems
to safeguard human health.

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 Choose the Best Answer from the Given Alternatives
1. What was the central argument of Malthusian Population Theory?
Q1
A. Positive checks reduce birth rates
B. Food production increases geometrically
C. Recommendation of Manmade birth controls
D. Rapid population growth leads to underdevelopment
1. Which feature best explains the socioeconomic condition of
developed countries? Q2
A. Labor-intensive investments
B. High level of urbanization
C. Dominant primary industries
D. High proportion of BY:children
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1. According to Boserup, population growth is determined
by : Q3
A. Technological innovation and agricultural development
B. Using positive and preventive checks
C. Using new social and economic orders
D. Using moral restraints and birth control
2. Which of the following country is most well-known
for its anti- natalist policy? Q4
A. Germany C. France
B. China D. Italy
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1. According to Thomas Malthus, what is the relationship
between population growth and food supply? Q5
A. Population growth will exceeds food supply
B. Population growth always outstrip food supply
C. Population and food supply unrelated
D. Population growth may outstrip food supply,
leading to poverty and hunger.
2. The population policy of Ethiopia can be rightly
categorized as Q6
A. Anti-Malthusian C. Anti- migration
B. Anti- natalist D. Pro- natalist
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1. Which one of the following is NOT Thomas Malthus
recommendation regarding the population growth
challenge? Q7
A. Moral restraint C. late marriage
B. Use of contraception D. preventive checks
1. “Necessity is the mother of innovation “and “population
growth leads to catastrophe” best fit to which population
theories, respectively. Q8
A. Malthusian and Boserupian population theory
B. Marxist and Malthusian population theory
C. Boserupian and Marxist population theory
D. Boserupian and Malthusian population theory
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1. According to Karl Marx, food security among population
should be understood in relation to Q9
A. Unequal distribution of resource
B. The adoption of preventive checks
C. The potential of technological innovation
D. Natural resource degradation
1. Which of the population theories below considers the loss
of human life through drought as a positive check to
control fast population growth? Q10
A. Boserupian C. Neo- Malthusian
B. Marxian D. Anti- Malthusian
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1. Which one of the following statements shows Esther
Boserp’s argument about the relationship between
population growth and food security? Q11
A. Food production is limited and population cannot
increase beyond the means of subsistence
B. If population growth outstrips the means of
subsistence, positive check will apply
C. Technological advancement could ensure that food
supply will keep with population growth
D. The poor are to be blamed for their own poverty

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1. What is the focus of Thomas Malthus’s population
theory? Q12
A. The power of the earth to produce enough food to
meet growing demands
B. The influence of capitalist mode of production
C. The importance of positive checks to regulate
population growth
D. The positive effects of population on food production

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1. Imagine a given country is highly affected by famine and
requests international communities for aid. However,
these communities are unwilling to help the country. The
fact that they believe famine could serve as a means to
control population pressure. Which population theory is
related to the issues given above? Q13
A. Boserupian C. Malthusian
B. Anti-Malthusian D. Marxian
1. Which one of the following is the preventive checks
suggested by Malthus to control population growth? Q14
A. Disease and war C. Famine and hunger
B. Moral restraint D. Education and birth control
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1. One of the following is NOT a result of rapid population
growth Q15
A. Environmental pollution C. fallowing
B. Land degradation D. land scarcity
1. The average lifespan of a newly born infant under current
mortality levels refers to Q16
A. Infant Mortality Rate C. Doubling period
B. Dependency ratio D. Life expectancy
1. According to Julian Simon, the ultimate resource is Q17
A. Natural minerals C. People
B. Fossil fuels D. Technology
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1. In Ethiopian context, which impact of rapid population
growth is critical, compared to others? Q18
A. Massive air pollution C. High rate of deforestation
B. Shortage of pasture land D. Occurrence of water pollution
1. According to Malthus, why did he believe that human
suffering and misery were inevitable? Q19
A. Because of fast breading of the lower classes
B. Because of inadequate food production techniques
C. Because of government policy
D. Because of overpopulation in urban areas

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1. What are the major characteristics of a pro- natalist
policy? Q20
A. Seek to increase fertility rate
B. Seek to decrease fertility rate
C. Promote civil liberties
D. Provides access to reproductive health service
1. According to Julian Simon, what is the main causes of
food shortage and famine? Q21
A. Overpopulation C. Politics
B. Natural disaster D. Climate change

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1. According to Julian Simon, the most significant benefit of
population size and growth is Q22
A. Increase competition for resource
B. Increase in the stock of useful knowledge
C. Strain on existing infrastructure
D. Promote political stability in developing countries
2. According to Julian Simon believe, which one is a key
solution to food scarcity in developing countries? Q23
A. Increase government incentives
B. Subsides to farmer
C. Free market principle and secure property right
D. Decrease agriculture productivity
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1. Neo- Malthusians differ from Malthus’s theories mainly in
their Q24
A. Population growth causes food scarcities
B. Support for the use of contraception
C. holds pessimistic view on population growth
D. scarcity of food and other resource is the result of capitalism.
2. Which one of the ff. population theory seems to be more
related to the current population characteristics of
Ethiopia? Q25
A. Malthusian C. Boserup
B. Marx D. Julian Simon
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1. What is Julian Simon’s perspective on population growth?
Q26
A. Population growth is always a negative thing
B. Population growth is essential for innovation and
economic development
C. Population growth should be controlled through
strict regulations
D. Population growth lead to scarcity of resource
2. Which method of population control involves higher
taxation for parents with more children? Q27
A. Family planning C. Child tax
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B. Contraception BY: Mitiku Lejebo D. One-child policy
YABERUS WOLKITE 68
1. Which one of the ff. is Julian Simon's criticisms of
Malthusian theory? Q28
A. It fails to take into account the role politics in food
production
B. It overestimated the world’s capacity for food
production
C. It underestimate the role of innovation in sustaining
population growth
D. It does not address the issues of property right in
agriculture

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1. How does capitalism create surplus population, according
to Karl Marx? Q29
A. By encouraging population growth
B. By providing ample job opportunities
C. By separating producers from their means of production
D. Distributing resources equally among all classes
2. Which conference in 1974 highlighted the need to
introduce family planning programs and reduce
population growth rates? Q30
A. World Economic Forum C. World Population Conference
B. United Nations General Assembly D. G7 Summit

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1. What was the main objective of the International
Conference on Population and Development held in Cairo
in 1994? Q31
A. To promote economic development in developing
countries
B. To link population growth to core development
agendas
C. To implement a one-child policy worldwide
D. To encourage migration to control population
growth

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1. Which country has operated a one-child policy for a
number of years to control population growth? Q32
A. India C. China
B. Nigeria D. Ethiopia
2. What is the main focus of India's approach to population
issues? Q33
A. Providing free contraception to women
B. Advancing women economically, academically, and socially
C. Enforcing a one-child policy
D. Implementing mass bereavements to control population
growth

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1. Which continent has the highest birth rates and is
expected to have a significant population growth by 2050?
Q34
A. Europe C. Asia
B. Africa D. North America
2. Which one of the ff. is NOT the challenges connected to
the execution of population control policies? Q35
A. Availability of facilities and equipment
B. Accessibility of family planning service
C. Overuse of contraceptives
D. Religious acceptance
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1. The process of increasing personal and institutional
capacities for sustainable improvements in quality of life
refers to Q36
A. Growth C. Development
B. Urbanization D. Industrialization
1. Which one of the following is the best measure of
economic development of a given society? Q37
A. GDP C. GNP
B. Per capital income D. Standard of living

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1. Which one of the following are the demographic
characteristics of developing countries? Q38
A. Very high life expectancy
B. Low life expectancy
C. Very low birth and death rate
D. Low population growth rate
2. Which one of the following is NOT an indicator of
development? Q39
A. GDP C. Per capital income
B. Standard of living D. Food insecurity

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1. Which one of the following is NOT objectives of
development in any society? Q40
A. Broaden the distribution of basic life sustaining goods
B. To raise living standards of the society
C. To improve the living standard of gov.t officials
D. To expand the range of economic and social choices
2. Which one of the following is a measure of the market
value of commodities produced within a country’s border?
Q41
A. GDP C. Per capital income
B. Standard of living D. Life expectancy
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1. An indicator of development which describes the total
value of goods and services produced by a country in a
year, including incomes secured from abroad, through
varied activities. Q41
A. Gross National Product C. Per capital Income
B. Gross National Income D. Gross Domestic Product
1. By current developmental standards, all are a least
developed country. But one Q42
A) Japan C) Ethiopia
B) Afghanistan D) Burundi

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1. What is Gross Domestic Product(GDP)? It is Q43
A. a total agricultural output in a country
B. a measure of value of small scale industries
C. the total annual output of goods and service in the
country
D. the ratio of total goods and services to total
population
2. Which indicator measures the average income earned per
person in a given area in a specified year? Q44
A. GDP C. Per capital income
B. GNP D. Standard of living
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1. Gross domestic product (GDP), per capita income and
standard of living are to measure economic development
of a country. Accordingly, which one of the following
conclusions is correct? Q45
A. Developing countries have high per capita income.
B. Developing countries have low level of GDP and per
capita income.
C. Developed countries have low GDP and per-capita
income.
D. Developed countries have high GDP and low living
standards.
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1. Which indicator measures the percentage of the
population living below the poverty line? Q46
A. Indicator of economic development
B. Indicator of social development
C. Health and demographic indicator
D. Indicator of political development
1. Standard of living is directly related to Q47
A. GDP C. Per capital income
B. GNP D. Both GDP and per capital income

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1. Which health and demographic indicator measures the
number of deaths of infants under the age of one year per
1000 live births? Q48
A. Life expectancy at birth C. Child mortality rate
B. Infant mortality rate D. Maternal mortality rate
1. Which category of indicators includes GDP per capital
and growth rate of GDP? Q49
A. Indicator of economic development
B. Indicator of social development
C. Health and demographic indicator
D. Indicator of political development
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1. Which one of the ff. is NOT correct about indicators of
social dimension? Q50
A. It is the soft dimension of development
B. It reflects social progress and equity
C. Literacy rate and poverty rates are the key indicators
D. It reflects the size and growth of an economy
2. Which one of the ff. is a non economic factors of economic
development? Q51
A. Availability of natural resource C. Capital expenditure
B. Human capital D. Technology

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1. Which one of the ff. is NOT the social implication of
rapid population growth in less developed countries? Q52
A. Increased poverty
B. Improve quality of health care
C. Higher unemployment rate
D. Inadequate social service and infrastructure
2. Which one of the ff. is the challenges faced by rapidly
growing urban areas? Q53
A. Insufficient housing and sanitation
B. Inadequate water supply and transportation
C. Increased burden on inadequate supplies and services
D. All of the above
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1. How does rapid population growth affect food production
in less developed countries? Q54
A. It can put pressure on agricultural system, leading to
decrease productivity.
B. It reduces or eliminates food production gain from
modernization of farming
C. It encourage practice such as over irrigation and
overuse of crop lands
D. All of the above

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1. How does the growing population contribute to
environmental strain? Q55
A. By reducing waste generation
B. By conserving resource
C. By sharing limited resource among more people
D. By having no impact on the environment
2. which model of environmental health intervention focuses
on treating disease that has already occurred in the
population? Q56
A. Clinical model C. Public health model
B. Env.tal stewardship model D. Biological model

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1. Which option describes the relationship between
population growth and environmental degradation? Q57
A. Population growth leads to increased environmental
degradation
B. Population growth has no impact on the environment
C. Population growth lead to decrease environmental
degradation
D. There is no relationship between population growth
and the environment

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1. Which one of the following is NOT one of the key target
areas related to environmental health in Agenda 21?
Q58
A. Meeting primary health care needs, particularly in rural
areas
B. Controlling communicable diseases
C. Promoting sustainable agriculture
D. Protecting vulnerable groups
2. What percentage of cases of diarrheal diseases in low and
middle-income countries is caused by lack of access to
clean water and sanitation? Q59
A. 58% B. 38% C. 78% D. 90%
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1. Which of the following is NOT a driver for the emergence
of new zoonotic diseases? Q60
A. Exponential population growth C. Biodiversity loss
B. Intensive livestock breeding D. Reduced air pollution
2. Which of the following is NOT a priority problem area for
urgent policy attention in relation to poor environmental
quality and health? Q61
A. Unsafe water, inadequate sanitation, or insufficient hygiene
B. Poor diet composition and quality
C. Degraded ecosystems and stresses to the Earth's natural
systems
D. Overpopulation and urbanization
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