Malthusian Population theory and the Nigerian Economy: A Political Economy Approach

Type Journal Article - International Journal of Human Resource Studies
Title Malthusian Population theory and the Nigerian Economy: A Political Economy Approach
Author(s)
Volume 2
Issue 4
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2012
Page numbers 197-206
URL http://macrothink.org/journal/index.php/ijhrs/article/viewFile/2867/2383
Abstract
Malthusian population theory was developed as a result of the rapid population growth rate
and diminishing return in agricultural sector. Malthus observed geometric ratio growth in
population vis-a-vis arithmetic ratio growth in food production and envisaged world “misery”
or “vice” if not checked. Subsequent development in the world however, proved the theory
wrong. But this work discovers that the predicted doom of population theory is manifesting in
Nigeria - rapid population growth rate, food crises, large scale poverty, ethnic and religious
conflict, HIV/AIDS epidemics, etc. Although, the aforementioned are in line with the theory?s
predictions, Nigerian government operational modus favors these manifestations over the
years. The work therefore, recommended that the judicial arm of government be made more
efficient at law-enforcement, education sector be given appropriate budgetary attention to
subdue poverty, diseases and health care predicaments. Thus, conclude that although, the
theory is looked upon as primitive and wrong, the forecasted melancholies still exist in the
21st century Nigeria

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