Global Population, Health, and Development Issues

N09/3/GEOGR/BP1/ENG/TZ0/XX

Global Population Dynamics and Health

1. Analyzing Population Trends and Health Impacts

(a) Describing Trends in Fertility and Literacy Rates

Referring to the graph, describe the trends in the two rates:

• Total female literacy rate increases over time.
• Global fertility rate decreases over time.

(Note: Responses should include specific quantification from the graph.)

(b) Reasons for Global Fertility Rate Trends

Suggest three reasons for the trend in global fertility. Reasons may include references to developed and/or developing regions, or a combination:

• Increasing emancipation of women, leading to choices for fewer children.
• Increasing educational opportunities providing career paths, thus delaying marriage or the first child.
• National population policies, such as China’s “One-Child Policy.”
• Increasing cost of raising children.
• Improved medical facilities resulting in lower infant mortality.
• Increasing mechanization, reducing the need for children to work on the land.

(c) Factors Increasing Mortality Rates in Countries

Explain why the mortality rate in some countries is increasing. Reasons may include:

• An aging population.
• The spread of diseases (e.g., AIDS, malaria).
• War and genocide.
• Reduction of public health spending, leading to increased infant and maternal mortality.

(Other valid reasons are acceptable.)

(d) Socio-Economic Costs of Disease: A Case Study

Using a case study, discuss the socio-economic costs of a named disease. The costs will depend on the disease chosen. Only one disease should be discussed.

(Responses without a case study may not be credited beyond a basic level. A well-developed, factually accurate discussion of both the social and economic costs of a named disease is expected for higher credit.)

Development and Quality of Life

2. Understanding Malnutrition and Economic Development

(a) Defining Malnutrition

Briefly explain what is meant by malnutrition.

(Responses should note that malnutrition is an unbalanced diet, with further valid development awarded additional credit.)

(b) Analyzing Economic Relationships and Food Security

(i) Describing Graph Relationships

Describe the relationship shown on the graph.

(Responses should recognize a positive correlation/relationship, provide some quantification, and identify any anomalies such as Nepal.)

(ii) Reasons for Economic Relationships

Suggest two possible reasons for this relationship.

(Answers should recognize that communities producing their own food (subsistence) have greater food insecurity as they are dependent on their own production. Agricultural economies, reflected by a large percentage in the labour force, are less able to import food when shortages occur. Other valid responses are possible and should be credited if they adequately explain the relationship.)

(c) Composite Indices for Quality of Life

Describe one composite index used to measure international differences in quality of life and comment on its validity.

(Answers are likely to name the Human Development Index (HDI). The three distinct variables must be identified: life expectancy, education and literacy, and GDP (PPP) per capita. The remaining credit should be allocated to evaluation of its validity, with points for valid strengths and valid weaknesses. A similar distribution of marks should be used if an alternative composite index is named.)

(d) Influences on Economic Development: A Country Case Study

Examine the issues that influence the level of economic development of one country of your choice.

(Responses must be specific to the country chosen. Issues may be structured into internal and external factors. Economic, social, demographic, political, and environmental issues should be included if relevant to the economic development of the chosen country. Some responses might also examine spatial variations of development within the country.)