iGCSE GEOGRAPHY CASE STUDY I HIGH POPULATION GROWTH RATE IN NIGER I 1.1 POPULATION DYNAMICS I 0460

Summary

This GCSE Geography video explains why Niger experiences rapid natural population growth. It defines natural population change (birth rate minus death rate) and highlights key stats—population rose dramatically since 1960 and is projected to exceed 56 million by 2050, with an annual growth rate around 3.4%. The video attributes high birth rates to subsistence agriculture (children as labour), low literacy (≈30%), limited family-planning access, strong cultural preference for large families and a fertility rate over six. Falling death rates—driven by vaccinations, improved water, better diets and hygiene in cities—also lower infant mortality, sustaining fast population growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Niger, located in Central Africa, is the focus of this case study on high natural population growth.
• 😀 The natural population change formula is: Birth rate - Death rate = Natural population change. A positive result means population growth.
• 😀 Niger has a high rate of natural population growth due to a high birth rate and falling death rates.
• 😀 The birth rate is high in Niger due to economic reliance on subsistence farming, with 90% of workers employed in agriculture.
• 😀 Large families are common in Niger because children contribute to agricultural labor and household income.
• 😀 The literacy rate in Niger is very low (around 30%), meaning there is limited awareness of family planning.
• 😀 Cultural traditions in Niger favor large families, and access to contraceptives is limited.
• 😀 Falling death rates in Niger, particularly in the capital city of Niamey, contribute to the population growth.
• 😀 Improvements in healthcare, such as inoculation against diseases and better access to clean water, have reduced infant mortality.
• 😀 In the city of Niamey, better nutrition and education about hygiene further decrease death rates.
• 😀 By 2050, Niger’s population is projected to exceed 56 million, continuing its rapid growth due to high birth rates and falling death rates.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the geography case study in this video?

The main focus of the case study is understanding why Niger has a high rate of natural population growth.

How is natural population change defined in the video?

Natural population change is defined as the difference between the birth rate and the death rate. If the birth rate is higher, the population grows.

Why is the birth rate high in Niger, according to the video?

The high birth rate in Niger is due to factors such as the need for children to assist in agriculture, a high fertility rate, low education levels regarding family planning, and cultural traditions favoring large families.

What role does agriculture play in Niger's high birth rate?

Ninety percent of Niger's workforce is engaged in agriculture, where having more children helps with farming tasks and provides additional sources of income.

What is Niger's literacy rate, and how does it impact the population growth?

Niger's literacy rate is extremely low, at 30%. This lack of education contributes to the population's unfamiliarity with family planning methods, which in turn leads to higher birth rates.

What is the fertility rate in Niger, and why does it contribute to population growth?

Niger's fertility rate is over 6 children per woman. This high fertility rate is linked to cultural traditions that encourage large families and limited access to contraceptives.

What is the significance of the city of Namami in Niger's population growth?

Namami, located in the southwest of Niger, plays a significant role in decreasing death rates due to improved healthcare, inoculations, and access to clean water, which reduce infant mortality and increase life expectancy.

How has Niger's population changed over time, according to the video?

Niger's population grew from approximately 1.7 million in 1960 to 17 million in 2013. It is projected to exceed 56 million by 2050.

What is the annual population growth rate in Niger?

Niger has an annual population growth rate of 3.4%.

How can a student structure an answer to the question, 'Explain why natural population growth rates are high in Niger'?

A student should include specific references to factors such as the role of children in agriculture, low literacy rates, cultural traditions, high fertility rates, and improvements in healthcare in cities like Namami. Using statistical data and place-specific references will strengthen the answer.