(a) Account for the rapid growth of world population in the last two decades (b) Explain any three problems arising from this rapid growth (c) Suggest solutions to these problems
Explanation
(a) Reasons for rapid-growth of world population in the last two decades are: (i) Modernization of agriculture leading to plentiful and varied food supply (ii) Improved health services (iii) Knowledge of the cause of infectious diseases and how to prevent them (iv) Better sanitation (v) Reduced infant mortality rate as a result of better care (vi) A lowering of the marriage age from 22 to 20 and below (vii) Change in child bearing pattern as women want to have all their children at once and have a rest later (viii) Modernization and industrialization make standard of living to improve. (b) Three problems arising from this rapid growth; (i) Problem of housing (accommodation) (ii) Problem of transportation (iii) Shortage of food (or starvation) (c) Solutions to these problems; (i) Government and other agencies should establish residential estates (ii) More roads, railways and other transportation network to take care of the increasing population (iii) Mechanized agriculture should be practised.