22. January 2007
Nigeria - Africa´s most populous country
“This rapid population growth is exemplary for the development of the whole African continent. Till the year 2050 Africa’s population will grow up to 1,7 billion people (now it s 767 million). This is 1 billion more that needs food, education and health care”, says Renate Bähr, vice director of the German Foundation for World Population, DSW.
In terms of combating poverty the population growth is quite critical. Right now, 91% of Nigeria’s population lives from less than 2 USD a day.
“If we want to reduce hunger and poverty in this west-African country we have to invest a lot more in family planning and health. A decrease of the population would release the health system of the society and support the fight against poverty”, states Bähr.
The situation of women’s health care is alarming. The data from the recent census confirms that more men - 71 million - than women – 68 million - are living in Nigeria. The maternal death rate is very high – 800 women still die in comparison to 100.000 births.
Source and further information: German Foundation for World Population, DSW