1.1 Introduction
This seeks to explain the impact of overpopulation on the socio-economic development of Nigeria. An increasing population can have adverse effects on the socio-economic growth of a nation, this is because a lot more resources are taken out to manage and cater for the teeming population that the same can generate (Brand, 2009). It is therefore very correct to say that the economic growth of a nation depends on its population. The effects or impact of overpopulation can be either negative or positive, dependent on the existence of certain factors and conditions, when studied and understood can be managed or controlled to ensure continuous and sustainable economic growth and development.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Over population is one deterrent of a country's socio-economic growth because of the problems that comes with it. The impact of over population in a country's socio-economic growth cannot be over looked. The term “Over population” is becoming increasingly Urban and in order to accommodate urban population inflow and to promote development, better planning and effective management is required to keep the population in check.
The population of Nigeria is growing at a rate of 3.75% per year indicating a doubling of the population every 23 years. The study area, Owerri West Local Government Area has a high population of 99,265 at the 2006 census and an area of 295km2 constituting the capital of Imo state. The area is getting over populated day by day, especially with the advent of tertiary institutions. Take Federal Polytechnic Nekede for instance, the school has attracted a large population of students who has added to the already existing population in Owerri-west.
Population growth creates highly unfavorable circumstances for economic development and puts pressure on available facilities, health services, transportation, water supply; electricity among others is increasingly high and not sufficient for the urban centers.
This paper is focused on enhancing awareness on the threats of rapid population growth variables as they relate to population and development. The paper is aimed at promoting knowledge, thereby encouraging the best practices to control population growth in an effort to reduce the pressure on available social and environmental resources.
1.3 Statement of Problems
In this course of study, we have to tackle the following problems.
- The problem of overpopulation and how to curtail the teeming population to the optimum size.
- The problem of unemployment and poverty which is prevalent in the large population.
- The problem of inadequate resources for the large population.
- The problem of how to raise the standard of living of the people.
- Finally, the problem of food inadequacy and how to encourage agriculture for the teeming population to not lack.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to examine the Impact of Over Population on the Socio-Economic Development of Nigeria. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To ascertain the magnitude of the impact of overpopulation on socio-economic growth;
- To investigate the causal relationship between overpopulation and socio-economic growth;
- To establish the relevance of planning in elements of population; and
- To determine whether long run relationship exist between population growth and economic growth.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- Is there a sustainable long run relationship between population growth and economic growth?
- What impact does overpopulation have on socio-economic growth?
- What is the causal relationship between overpopulation and socio-economic growth?
1.6 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: Population growth has no significant effect on socio-economic growth.
- H1: Population growth has significant effect on socio-economic growth
Hypothesis Two
- H0: There is no significant effect casual relationship between population growth and socio-economic growth
- H1: There is significant casual relationship between population growth and socio-economic growth.
1.7 Significance of Study
This research work will be of great importance in planning on how to curtail the population size of the country to an optimum one. The general public will as well be enlightened about the implication of overpopulation in the country.
This study will be of immense benefit to other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.8 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Impact of over Population on the Socio-Economic Development of Nigeria using Owerri-West Local Government Area in Imo State as a case study.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
1.10 Definition of Terms
Overpopulation: A situation whereby, the people living within a political or geographical area is greater that the resources available in that area.
Socio-economic: The prefix Socio refers to “The study of the behaviours of people including the ways they interact with one another or their family structures. The word economic refers to the economy such as people's income and finances
Development: Development can be defined as the gradual growth and improvement of a particular place person or thing, so that it becomes more advanced and stronger.
