Population Resource Models

Population Resource Models

1. Malthus

   • Population levels need to be controlled in order to reduce the number of people and match resources.
     • He argued that there are preventative checks (affecting birth rates) and positive checks (increasing death rates).

2. China - Applying Malthus Theory

   • China has the largest population in the world. It was the first to hit 1 billion in 1982.
     • In 1970 the Chinese government realised its population was unsustainable, with a growth rate of 2.9%/yr.
   • 1950: Births encouraged, "A large population gives a strong nation".
     • 1959: Serious famine killing 20 million people. (POSITIVE CHECK)
       • 1960: 'Population boom', 55million increase per year. Nothing was done.
         • 1974: 'Wan-Xi-Shao' introduced. Encouraged people to reduce birth rate by later marriages, longer gaps between children and fewer children.
           • 1979: This approach didn't work. The 'One Child Policy' was introduced. (PREVENTATIVE CHECK)
             • 1990: The One Child Policy was relaxed.
               • 2000: Growth rate fell to 0.6%, government moved to health-orientated policy.

3. Boserup

   • "Necessity is the mother of invention." She believes that technology will respond when population growth approaches carrying capacity.

4. India - Appling Boserup Theory

   • Rapidly growing population, hit 1 billion in 1998.
   • 1960: Population increased by 2%/yr.
     • 1961: India announced it was on the brink of mass famine. They invited Norman Borlaug to India top advise the agricultural minister on the Green Revolution.
       • The Green Revolution is a package of technologies allowing for agricultural improvement.
       • 1966: India became the first country to benefit from the High-Yielding variety seed programmer.
         • Benefits from 'The Green Revolution'...
           • 5 new hybrid cereals (wheat, maize etc.) and rice
           • Drought resistant hybrid's
           • Shorter growing season, increased productivity!
           • Hybrid's were semi dwarf crops
             • They reduce loss from wind damage and respond much better to fertilisers, this results in better yields.