| Population
growth
By
Marjorie Henry, Contributor
 |
| Students
at Waterford High School, in Portmore, St. Catherine, wave jubilantly as they
enjoy the entertainment during one of the 'No Violence in Schools' tours. - Ricardo
Makyn/Staff Photographer | We
continue today with the topic of population growth. As indicated in the last lesson,
you are required to know about the factors affecting population growth in one
Caribbean country. I cannot overstate that whenever you are asked to do a more
detailed study of a Caribbean territory in any topic, choose your own country
as far as possible. Many times you can answer questions based on what you have
observed or made aware of probably through the news media. The question for our
consideration today then is: 'What are the factors affecting population growth
in Jamaica?' In
his new edition (2005) of the Caribbean Environment, Mark Wilson tells
us that Jamaica's population grew rapidly in the 20th century, but the rate of
increase gradually declined. In reference to the Economic and Social Survey
of Jamaica - 1999, we are informed that the major objective of Jamaica's revised
national population policy for 1995 was that of the stabilisation of the population
at zero growth. This
goal would be realised through a reduction of the total fertility rate (TFR) to
2.6 children per woman and an increase in contraceptive prevalence from 66.0 per
cent to 68.0 per cent by 2003. The
two sources already mentioned as well as Geography for CSEC, by Ottley
and Gentles, have indicated factors that have contributed to a decline in population
growth. Some of the main points are highlighted below. Fertility
- A
larger reproductive population, that is, women aged 15-29 years, contributed fewer
children in 1999. The data indicated a steady downward trend in the crude birth
rate (CBR) over the decade, falling from 25.2 per 1000 to 22 by 1999.
- There
has been a consistent decline in the number of women of reproductive age since
1994. It is expected that as the number of women, 15-29 years, continue to decrease,
a corresponding decline will occur in total births.
- Birth
control is now readily available through public sector health centres and private
sector pharmacies.
Mortality
In
1999, the infant mortality rate (IMR) was at 24.5 per 1000 live births. This was
considered low when compared with other developing countries. A similar situation
existed in the maternal mortality rate (MMR). It was estimated at 111 per 100
000 live births in 1998. The aim was to further reduce these mortality rates to
get them more aligned with those of developed countries. Life
expectancy As
living conditions and medical care improved, life expectancy has increased since
the early 1970s, from age 69 to 76. Infant mortality has been cut by two-thirds.
Migration
There
is more emigration (people leaving the country permanently) than immigration (people
entering the country and remaining permanently) in Jamaica. Jamaicans migrate
to the United States of America, Canada, Britain, and to other Caribbean countries.
The U.S.A. is the main country of destination for emigrants, accounting for over
80.0 per cent of total emigrants in 1999. The
Economic and Social Survey further informs us of the effect of immigration on
population growth in Jamaica. It states, "The contribution of immigration
to population growth has increased in recent years with the return of nationals
residing overseas, including the involuntary return of deported persons. In addition,
the country has seen an influx of commonwealth and non-commonwealth nationals
for educational and employment opportunities." Improved
education Improved
education has contributed to a decline in birth rate. Education empowers women
to care for their health, makes them employable and gives them choices. More women
than men enter higher education and in addition, two-thirds of women in Jamaica
have jobs. This is one of the highest ratios in the world. Continue
reading on the topic. In the next lesson, we will review the factors that affect
population growth in one developed country. Marjorie
Henry is a vice-principal at Glenmuir High School and is head of the Geography
Department. She teaches the subject at the CSEC Level. | 
