Place of Residence, Fertility Behaviour and Relevance of Malthusian Population Theory of Growth and Development in Nigeria

Abstract

In many developing countries, population explosion and high fertility rates have been a serious concern to individuals, societies and governments. Nigeria is one of the countries in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) which has been experiencing high fertility over the last five decades withplace of residence been an important factor influencing fertility level in most SSA countries including Nigeria. Policies need to be formulated in ensuring balanced development in countries prone to urbanisation. Countriesthat have population policies and sustained family planning programmes have the potential to achieve socio-economic progress and in turn general improvement in well-being of the populace. This study examined place of residence and fertility behaviour in Nigeria in conjunction with the relevance of the Malthusian theory of population growth and development in Nigeria through extensive review of literatures. It was deduced from literatures that there is relationship between place of residence and fertility behaviour in Nigeria in terms of children ever born (CEB). The Malthusian population theory of growth and development is also relevant to development issues witnessed in Nigeria. It was concluded that policies need to be formulated and effectively implemented towards ensuring even development in Nigeria. The Malthusian theory of population growth and development need to be properly studied in guiding the government and other policy makers on effective population and developmental policies and programmes in Nigeria.