Title: Community Awareness And Management Strategies Of Population Growth In Nigeria: Insights From Jigawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Ejeh Benedict, Aina Mercy, Abel Onyema Angela
Volume: 10
Issue: 1
Pages: 23-30
Publication Date: 2026/01/28
Abstract:
Rapid population growth presents significant socio-economic challenges in many developing countries, particularly in northern Nigeria. This study examines community awareness, causes, and management strategies of population growth in Kirikasamma Local Government Area, Jigawa State. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining structured questionnaires administered to 200 adult respondents with informal interviews and field observations, complemented by secondary data from government and international sources. The findings reveal that the majority of respondents are aware of population growth (87.5 %), yet practical adoption of population management strategies, such as family planning, remains low (16 %). High birth rates (69 %) and lack of family planning (17.5 %) were identified as the main drivers of population growth, with migration and socio-cultural factors playing secondary roles. Demographic analysis shows a predominantly youthful and working-age population, with a strong male predominance, low levels of formal education, and heavy reliance on agriculture. The study highlights a critical gap between awareness and practice, indicating that cultural, religious, and socio-economic factors continue to constrain effective population management. Based on these findings, the study recommends enhancing family planning education and services, promoting female education and empowerment, strengthening community-based awareness initiatives, addressing socio-cultural norms and early marriage, supporting livelihood diversification, and integrating population management into local development planning. Overall, the study underscores the importance of context-specific, community-driven interventions to mitigate the socio-economic impacts of population growth and support sustainable development in Kirikasamma LGA and similar rural communities in northern Nigeria.