This document summarizes challenges faced by countries in the middle of the demographic transition model from stage 1 to 2, where the population pyramid shifts from broad at the base to concave. It discusses educational, health, and infrastructural issues that arise from rapid population growth, using Niger and Sierra Leone as case studies. Specifically, it notes that there may not be enough schools or resources to educate the growing youth population. Large families and high birth rates can also strain health systems and infrastructure like roads. Social issues around cultural norms and women's empowerment are also examined.

1. stage
1-2 populations on the
demongraphic
transition model
charlie
dominique
jon m
kuffasse
september
2009

2. + Problems / strains encountered by countries
midway between stage 1 and 2 of the DTM, where
pyramid profile is concave
- Educational
- Health
- Infrastructural
- Social
focus

3. educational issues
narrower angle: less
people die in earlier
stages of life
narrower angle: less
people die in earlier
stages of life
-Are there enough schools to
accommodate larger child
population?
- enough wealth to
accommodate expansion of
educational facilities?
-Consequences: large
uneducated/unqualified
population, high unemployment
rates
- larger dependent population,
less money going to
government, higher taxes
- less people are educated on life
skills and hygine which
contributes to faster spread of
disease

4. 62% of adults and 46%
of youths are illiterate
Sierra Leone:
Population set to
increase from roughly
4,500,000 people in 2005
to 7,500,000 thousand
people in 2025

5. • Financial resources for health
• Physical Infrastructure and number of
healthcare personnel
• Essential drugs and other supplies
• International partnerships in health
• Health education and promotion
• Maternal and child health/family planning
• Diseases, Life expectancy and Mortality
health issues

6. infrastructural issues
Case study: Niger
- Only 8% of 6,800 kilometres of roads being paved
compared to 100% in Switzerland.
- Tap water services very poor. Companies need to
truck in water for employees; home water tanks are
needed for drinkable water.
- Postal services are unreliable.

7. Niger: Population Pyramids
Very evident widening of
population profile: in
2050, begins to become
convex

8. social issues Polygamy
The Emancipation of Women
“there is an inextricable link between increasing
female literacy and decreasing fertility rates.”
Deeply entrenched cultural / religious values
bride price, dowry,
Youth, identity, and generational issues
Social Control, a loss of cultural values
Idleness

9. bibliography
• Chrispin, Jane, and Jegede Francis. Population, Resources, and Development. London: Collins
Educational, 2000.
• UNICEF, . "At a Glance: Sierra Leone, Statistics." UNICEF. Updated: 26 February 2004.
Web. 27 Sep 2009. <http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/sierraleone_statistics.html#55>.
• U.S. Census Bureau, . "Sierra Leone." U.S. Census Bureau - International Database. September
10, 2009. Web. 27 Sep 2009. <http://www.census.gov/ipc/www/idb/country.php>.
Chrispin, Jane, and Jegede Francis. Population, Resources, and Development. London: Collins
Educational, 2000.
• UNICEF, . "At a Glance: Sierra Leone, Statistics." UNICEF. Updated: 26 February 2004.
Web. 27 Sep 2009. <http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/sierraleone_statistics.html#55>.
• U.S. Census Bureau, . "Sierra Leone." U.S. Census Bureau - International Database. September
10, 2009. Web. 27 Sep 2009. <http://www.census.gov/ipc/www/idb/country.php>.
• https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2091rank.html
• Waugh, David. Geography, An Intergrated Approach. Nelson Thornes, UK. © 2009.

10. thank you!