This paper discusses the linkages between population growth and environmental degradation in
Tanzania. Tanzania's major environmental problems, demographic characteristics, and the
linkages between environmental change and rapid population growth both at national and regional
levels are discussed. These discussions are intended to provide an empirical base for analysing the
impact of changing environment on the people’s lifestyle and their demographic behaviours
including the reproductive ones. In the course of discussion the impacts of a rapidly growing
population on the environment have been brought in the agenda. Examples from various parts of
Tanzania have been given to provide empirical evidences to the arguments given. Generally, the
paper demonstrates that high population growth and economic backwardness are dependent
variables and both contribute significant impacts on the environment. There negative impacts are
also reflected in the diminishing economic growth given the fact that the Tanzanian economy is
agrarian. Environmental degradation affects agricultural productivity through land degradation,
climatic change, and declining land per capita. A conclusion is made that environmental change is
as an important factor to demographic and economic factors as it is population growth to
economic development and environmental conservation. A change in the environment may
influence changes both in the demographic behaviour and socio-economic conditions of the
people, hence, population growth.