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Population and Development Specialist, Dr. Namuunda Mutombo, has raised concern that Zambia’s population growth is outpacing economic growth, leading to unsustainable development and scramble for economic resources.
Mutombo noted that insufficient economic growth was resulting in inadequate resources to support the population, contributing to high poverty rate in the country with a population of approximately 20.6million people.
The University of Zambia (UNZA) Lecturer in Demography and Development spoke to Zambia Monitor in an interview ahead of World Population Day which falls on July 11 annually.
Zambia will join the rest of the world in commemorating the World Population Day under the theme: “Empowering young people to create the families they want and hopefully world.”
He emphasized the need for balanced growth, where economic development keeps pace with population growth, to break this cycle and ensure sustainable development.
“The imbalances in economic growth and population has often resulted in government accumulating debt sustainably of unstainably and this has resulted in donor dependence,” Mutombo said.
He noted that resorting to borrowing as a country, potentially unsustainably, and relying on donor funding, can compromise Zambia’s sovereignty.
Mutombo stated that this dynamic creates a self-perpetuating cycle of poverty, limiting the country’s ability to achieve self-sufficiency.
“Having a large population does not automatically translate to increased productivity or better living standards. The productivity of a population is more important than its size in determining economic growth and poverty levels,” he emphasized.
Mutombo stated that providing basic needs, education, and means of production would help individuals become more productive and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
He also highlighted the critical role education played as a tool of empowerment for people to understand micro-economic issues, engage in business, and become more productive, ultimately improving their well-being.
“Zambia has significant natural resources, potentially more than neighboring countries like Namibia and Botswana. The country is experiencing rapid population growth, which is putting pressure on resources,” Mutombo noted.
He added that Zambia’s inability to invest in technology and process its raw materials into goods and services was hindering its ability to sustain its population.
Mutombo also emphasized the importance of family planning in achieving sustainable population growth and economic development.
“Family planning allows couples and families to make informed decisions about the number of children they can afford and support, given their economic situation,” he said.
Mutombo stressed the need to reframe family planning as a means to support development, rather than a tool for population control or suppression.
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