Population policy refers to the statement of law or regulations enacted to some demographic goals.
It is a deliberate effort by the government to influence demographic factors like fertility, mortality, and migration.
Thus the ultimate goal of the population policy is to influence population size, composition, distribution, and growth.
The policy also tends to take into consideration the relationship between population and development as well as the impact on environmental conditions. POPULATION POLICY CAN BE EXPLICIT OR IMPLICIT
EXPLICIT POPULATION POLICY
refer to the document or clear statement issued by the government department and its commission which is intended to control population growth and raise the standard of life of the people in the country.
Explicit policies can also stem from the law, policy declaration by a party, or directive issued by the President of the country.
Explicit laws are well stipulated and strictly followed or reinforced.
Such policies prevailed in China where the limit in the number of children was set and incentives were given to all those who could follow while penalties were given to those who did not follow.
Other countries with an explicit policy are Sweden and England.
Hence the explicit policy is the elaborate statement that spells out the rationale objective, goals, targets policy program, and implementation.
IMPLICIT POLICIES
refer to particular law, regulation, or statement, which may have direct or indirect effect on population growth.
The implicit policy is not as elaborate as explicit since it is somehow unclear and cannot be easily understood leading to failure in terms of implementation.
Population policies, whether explicit or implicit, have the ultimate aim of influencing a country’s population size, composition, distribution and growth.
JUSTIFICATION OF THE POPULATION POLICY
This policy takes cognizance of the achievement, constraint and limitation of implementing post population policies as well as new development and continuing challenges
ACHIEVEMENTS
The achievement of both implicit and explicit population policies include the followings: –
Considerable awareness of population issues particularly those related to reproductive health and child survival by the masses of the people, for example, fertility, infant and child mortality has decline over time.
– Adoption of an explicit population policy in 1992, which recognized the links and interrelationship between population, resources, the environment and development
– Expansion and /or introduction of population studies in institutions of higher learning in the country
– Increased number and capacity of NGOs engaged in population related activities including advocacy and social mobilization, service delivery and capacity building
– High knowledge and use of contraceptive methods among both men and women and male involvement in family planning have increased contraceptive prevalence from about 10 in the 1980s to 16 in 1996.
What is the importance of population policy in Tanzania?
To address the issue of rapid population growth: Tanzania has one of the highest population growth rates in the world, with an annual growth rate of 3.0%. This rapid population growth is putting a strain on the country’s resources, such as land, water, and food. A population policy can help to slow down population growth and to ensure that the country’s resources are used more efficiently.
To improve the quality of life of the people: A population policy can also help to improve the quality of life of the people in Tanzania. By slowing down population growth, the government can invest more resources in education, healthcare, and other social services. This can help to improve the health and well-being of the people and to reduce poverty.
To promote sustainable development: A population policy can also help to promote sustainable development in Tanzania. By slowing down population growth, the government can help to reduce the pressure on the environment and to conserve natural resources. This can help to ensure that Tanzania’s development is sustainable for future generations.
To empower women: A population policy can also help to empower women in Tanzania. By providing women with access to education and healthcare, the government can help to reduce gender inequality and to give women more control over their lives. This can lead to lower fertility rates and to a more equitable society.
To improve the status of children: A population policy can also help to improve the status of children in Tanzania. By investing in education and healthcare, the government can help to ensure that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. This can lead to a more prosperous and stable society.
The Tanzanian government has developed a number of population policies over the years. The current population policy, which was adopted in 2016, aims to slow down population growth to 2.5% by 2030. The policy also aims to improve the quality of life of the people and to promote sustainable development.
The success of the Tanzanian population policy will depend on a number of factors, including the government’s commitment to the policy, the availability of resources, and the cooperation of the people. However, if the policy is successful, it can have a significant impact on the lives of the people of Tanzania and on the future of the country.
What are the main objectives of population policy?
The main objectives of population policy can vary from country to country, but they generally include the following:
- To slow down population growth: This is often the primary objective of population policy, as rapid population growth can put a strain on a country’s resources and development.
- To improve the quality of life of the people: This can be done by investing in education, healthcare, and other social services.
- To promote sustainable development: This can be done by reducing the pressure on the environment and conserving natural resources.
- To empower women: This can be done by providing women with access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
- To improve the status of children: This can be done by investing in education, healthcare, and protection from exploitation.
- To address the issue of aging population: This can be done by promoting healthy living and providing social security for the elderly.
The specific objectives of population policy will be determined by the needs and priorities of each country. However, all population policies should be based on the principles of human rights, gender equality, and social justice.
Here are some of the specific strategies that can be used to achieve the objectives of population policy:
- Providing access to family planning services: This is one of the most effective ways to slow down population growth.
- Investing in education and healthcare: This can improve the health and well-being of the people, which can lead to lower fertility rates.
- Promoting gender equality: This can give women more control over their lives and their bodies, which can also lead to lower fertility rates.
- Encouraging sustainable development: This can reduce the pressure on the environment and make it easier to meet the needs of the growing population.
- Protecting the rights of women and children: This is essential for ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
The success of population policy will depend on a number of factors, including the government’s commitment to the policy, the availability of resources, and the cooperation of the people. However, if the policy is successful, it can have a significant impact on the lives of the people and on the future of the country.
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