Title: Population Growth as a Cause of Human Development in Zambia 1992-2022
Authors: Salifya Faith Mulenga
Volume: 7
Issue: 12
Pages: 201-217
Publication Date: 2023/12/28
Abstract:
This study set out to investigate population growth as a cause of human development in Zambia from 1992-2022. With substantive objectives being to investigate examine whether population growth causes; Income inequality, poverty and unemployment in Zambia. The study was built on two theories namely: the Malthusian theory of population and demographic transition theory. It employed a mixed research method utilizing both qualitative and quantitative data. Using the granger causality as the estimation technique specifically utilized the Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model and correlation tests, the results show that that population growth causes human development and poverty meaning that as population is increasing both human development and poverty are increasing. Further, showed that population growth does not cause income inequality and unemployment in Zambia. Meaning that, as population is increasing income inequality and unemployment are reducing. The study recommends that the government of the Republic of Zambia invests in Research, Development and Technology so as to be in touch with the needs of the people in order to make policies that speak to the current needs of the people. Equally, investing in education and health infrastructure and human resource as well as, be deliberate about setting up manufacturing industries and revamping already existing ones.