SocioEconomic Challenges, Volume 3, Issue 1, 2019

ISSN (print) – 2520-6621, ISSN (online) – 2520-6214

Population Growths and Socio-Economic Development:

An Analysis of Mettu Town of Ethiopia
[Link]
SN Singh
Dr, Associate Professor of Economics and Law in the Department of Economics, Faculty of Business and
Economics, Mettu University, Ethiopia
Abstract
This paper summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on the issues of
population growth and socio-economic development in Ethiopia. The main purpose of the research is to ana-
lyze the relationships between population growth and socio-economic development in Ethiopia on broad scene
and case study is supported to the Mettu town of Ethiopia. Systematization literary sources and approaches
for solving the problem have been adopted for the data collection, methodology followed, analysis and presen-
tation. The result indicates that there is a negative impact of population growth on socio-economic develop-
ment in the town concern. The relevance of the decision of this scientific problem is that how population
growth affects socio-economic development in the country. Investigation of the research topic on population
growth and socio-economic development in Ethiopia have been carried out in the following logical sequence:
the causes of population growth including both natural and migration particularly from rural to urban areas,
how the population growth affects various socio-economic indicators like income, wealth and material pos-
session etc. The methodological tools of the research methods were descriptive statistical analysis including
quantitative and qualitative techniques. The research is conducted recently particularly in the year 2018. The
object of research is the chosen at country level, followed by regions, and town, because namely they Ethiopia,
Oromia and Mettu respectively. The paper presents the results of an empirical analysis of population growth
and its impact on the family size, dependence ratio and unemployment etc, which showed that high population
directly affect the land fragmentation, shortage of food per capita at some household level, shortage of social
and economic services and other co-related associated problems. The research empirically confirms and the-
oretically proves that there is an inverse relationship of population growth on socio-economic development in
Ethiopia. The results of the research can be useful for the policy makers, academicians and researchers etc.
Keywords: population growth, socio-economic development, marriage polygamy and family planning.
JEL Classification: J11, O12, D12.
Cite as: Singh, SN (2019). Population Growths and Socio-Economic Development: An Analysis of Mettu
Town of Ethiopia. SocioEconomic Challenges, 1(3), 52-63. [Link]
© The Author, 2019. This article is published with open access at Sumy State University.
1. Introduction
1.1. Background of the Study
The world is now highly populated as it had never before. This increment of population occurred continually
starting for the ancient time to now. When peoples first started cultivation of food through agriculture some
1200 year ago, the stated world population was no more than 5 million. At the beginning of Christian era 200
years ago, the world population had grown to nearly 250 million. From A.D it the beginning of industrial
revolution around 1750, it tripled to 728 million. During the next 200 years (1751-1950) an additional 1.7mil-
lion people were added to the earth’s numbers. However, in just for decades here after (1950-1995) the world
population was doubled more than again bringing in the total figure to over 5.5 million. This trend continued
and the number reached to 6.3 million by the year 200 (Todaro et. Al., 2009).
African countries are confronted extremely difficult problem of eliminating the poverty and struggles for their
economic growth. The population growth that is around 75% of the world population lives in the countries of
the world population of approximately 5.5 million 2004, more than 3/4 live in the third world countries and
less than ¼ in the more developed nations (Todaro et. Al., 2009). Ethiopia is a 3rd most populated country in
African continent having a population size of 88.5 million in 2007 and a growth rate is about 2.7 percent of
rural population which constitutes about 85 percent of the total population and that is mainly depending on

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farming and their income level below 1$ USA per day (Ethiopian National Census 2007). The Oromia region
is having about 43 million population and the socio-economic activities of the population is based on agricul-
ture. The income level of the people is per day 1$USA. The 2007 National Census of Ethiopia reported that a
total population of Mettu was 28726 and but now estimated around 41231 that comprise 21027 men and 20204
women (Administrative office Mettu town; 2008).
1.2. Statement of the Problem
The link between population growth and socio- economic development is not as simple as cause and effect
relationship. There is bi-directional relationship between the two, one affecting the other socio- economic
growth affects population growth and population growth has impact on the socio- economy development.
There has been on consensus whether population growth positive or negative impact on the performance of
socio- economic is still unsolved. This term paper was regarding to the problems and explains the impact of
population growth on socio- economic development in different aspects. The population growth is the main
source of labor supply in socio- economy. With our all population, the working age (15-64 year age) the
population increase resulting in an increase labor force. The size of working age -population (the labor force)
has significant contributed for development of socio- economy. The economy observes and makes use of It
(Zinash zeleke. ET, al., 2004).
Rapid population growth in Ethiopia has aggravated for existing gap of unmet need of social service and the
quality of health and education services in the country and have been continued to be deteriorated by rapid
population growth (Befekadu et al., 1999). Both of them are suggesting the different ideas about impact of
rapid population growth on socio-economic development that leads to increase the rate of labor force in econ-
omy and Deteriorating further the quality of social services. This research study was motivated to identify
macroeconomics variable like income, education, and health status etc. and the impact of population growth
on socio economic development of Mettu town.
1.3. Objective of the study

1.3.1. General objective of the study

The present study is intended to identify the impact of rapid population growth on the socio- economic devel-
opment particularly on education and health in Mettu town of Oromia region of Ethiopia.
1.3.2. The specific objective of the study are as:
➢ To access the factors responsible for rapid population growth in Mettu Town.
➢ To examine the consequences of rapid population growth on socio economic development.
➢ To suggest policy recommendation to overcome with the acute problem of population growth.

1.4. Research questions

The following will be raised in the motivation for conducting the study.
➢ What is the effect of rapid population on socio- economic development of Mettu town?
➢ What are the determinants of rapid population growth in Mettu town?
1.5. Significance of the study
This study would be expected to provide base line information concerning to the population growth and socio-
economic development in case of Mettu town.
The paper of research hopes to identifying the various problem related to population growth and socio-eco-
nomic development.
2. Review of literature
2.1. Definition and theoretical
In terms human biology encyclopedia Brita mica defines population as whole numbers of people occupying
an area (such as country or world) and continually being modified increases birth rate and immigrations (BRI)
or loses (depth migrations) encyclopedia Britannica values 25).On the other hand population growth as by

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international encyclopedia of social science is the rise in the number of person living at a given moment of
time. However, the growth is necessarily positive or monotonic; it is the sum of natural increase only where
rot migration is nil or legible. Historically the definition of economic development has been continued to per
capital real income until recently the meaning has gained wider scope. It can be defined as nothing less than
upward movement of the entire social system or I may be interpreted as attainment of the idea, such as arise
in productivity, social and economic equalization of modern knowledge improved attitudes, rationally coor-
dinated sustain of policy measure of under development (Meir, 1995).
2.1.1. Theoretical view
The world’s populated today’s it have never do for although rate of population growth have fallen and we’ll
continue to fall, we currently and about million people every 4 days to the world population net of death. Robert
Malthus, the prominent demographer believed that population growth and development have great link.
He compared the since of population economic growth of the time and that of Jaluis Caesar’s “Europe is
match more populous now than it was former time it’s that the industry of them in habitant has the countries
produce quantity of human substance”(Malthus, et,al.,1978).
2.1.2. The ancient Greeks view
The ancient Greek writers were concerned with formulation of policies and rules for population. In their writ-
ing, there is no organized theory about population. Plate and Aristotle discussed quest of optimum population
with respect to Greek city state their writing on the ideal condition for full development of human potential.
2.1.3. Muslims view
Muslims view seems a little bit population is the Hebrew ad early Christiana, as the restriction is as Hebrew
and early christens as restriction in the formers. The case of worried persons is different from that of outsiders.
If one of them accuses of unchastely, the acquisition parity reflect the as well.
2.1.3. Mercantilists view
Merchant writers called mercantilists, dominated the period 1500-1776 they were dominant particularly in
Britain and France. Their philosophy was based on nation and national superiority, possession of precious
metal like, gold, silver and favorable balance that means excess export over important and generally to rich at
the expense of other nation. The desire for a large portion intensified in the 17th Europe under the influence of
mercantilism. The central aim of this school was to increase the power and health of nation. It was through
that population growth would contribute greatly to this goal. Especially skilled worker were encouraged. For
mercantilists wealth is measured in term is of accumulative gold and silver. Hence, high production is essential
to build the military power of government in order to colonize counties that are rich in gold and silver mines.
They also argue that population enable to have huge supply of labor that enable the low wage rate. Thus
reduction in domestic production at the international market (IM) (Spieger et al., 1989). Commercial were
the German country part of mercantilists their writing wee spread over 300 year in Australian and other Ger-
man state. They were primarily concerned with feeling the treasury of the prince. They were to ensure that the
fertility of the source of revenue never declined (Bhatia, 1988).
Towards the end of mercantilist and before the beginning of physiocratic school of thought (during the trans-
action period) Sir William pretty come up an optimistic idea of population he that population growth is prin-
cipal factors in determining economic growth. Hennery William Spiegel put putt’s views “to William petty
population growth rather than investment is the principal force of dynamism that promotes economic pro-
gress” (Spegel, et al., 1989).
2.1.5. Physiocratic view
In 18th century physiology emphasized agriculture and the need to growth sufficient food for large population.
However, during that period there was considerable optimism about population growth I west Europe, William
god will Britain asserted late in 18th that excessive population would never be a problem for a nation. There
is principle in human society by which population is perpetually kept to the means of substance. Thus, among
that population has so increased as to render necessary the cultivation of earth. He further explain my raids
century of still increase population path away the earth be found sufficient for the subsistence of its in habitant
(Malthus et al., 1978).

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2.1.6. The theory of demographic transition

Country to most other theories of population the theories of population transition derived from actual historical
experience. It designed to explore their stage of modern population theories in which anticipate the future de-
mographic trend in countries present, in the early phase of transaction. Before their economic modernization
today has developed countries where characterized by a stable or very slow population growth population of
high birth rate. This was stage one a demographic transition. This stage has completed its operation in devel-
oping countries now (Todaro et al., 1994).
Stage two, known for its high rate of population growth .it associated better public health method, health
directs, high income, and improvement. All these make reduction in mortality that gradually raised life ex-
pectancy. In the stage there, the in fertility, converge d with the decline in death rate leaving little or no
population growth.
2.2. Empirical literature of ethiopia
Countries have seriously affected the development of the economic growth rate GDP perception GDP and
have declined with growth of the population. For instant the GDP growth of rate in 1978 was four times higher
that of the 1990 while per capital GDP declined to almost zero in 1990, from 2.1 in 1978 (Berhanu et al.,
1999-2000).
Experience over the last couple of decades in Ethiopia has shown that human numbers increased the popula-
tion carrying of environment decrease. High population growth rate included increasing for recourse and rate
at which the greater productivity environment harm full economically country productive methods of exploit-
ing land associated source are reported in order to meet immediate needs. Because of this, climate condition
become erratic and soil quality declining at alarming rate (Befekadu Degefa et al., 2006).
Empirical evidences on Ethiopia agriculture and population growth shows at that there is wide gap between
population growth and corresponding growth in food production declining per capital production low erratic
conception and increase food in security and resource exploitation are likely consequence of population pres-
sure in Ethiopia. In Africa context in population growth in sub-Saharan African for example the growth of
capital food production is 2% which the population growth at 3% per annum (Abdi et al., 1995).
Crop production area have lost their productivity here are several sides to problem but more importantly loss
of productivity is a function of increasing mass land ratio occupied rapid population growth. Hence, per capital
food production has continuously (Berhanu et al., 1999-2000).
Rapid population growth in Ethiopia aggravated the existing gap of unmeant need for social service the quality
of health and education service the quality of health and education service in the country have been and con-
tinued being deteriorated by growth population. The demand for food is directly associated with as sized of
population. A rapid growth of population requires as fast increase agricultural production to insure enough
food, supply food upcoming generations. The situation of supply has been worsening in Ethiopia recently.
3. Methodology of the study
3.1. Study area
Mettu town is one of the Oromia regional state’s Zone which is located on the south- west direction from
Addis Ababa with a distance of about 600 kilometers. This town has latitude and longitude of 8.18’N,
35.35’E/8.30N35.583E altitude of 1605m above sea level. This town was the capital of former Illu Aba Bor
province from 1978 until the adoption of the new constitution in 1995. According to the town census reported
that the total population of Mettu Town is 41231 comprising 20204 women and 21027 men. As per annual the
rainfall 1500mm-2000mm, temperature 18’c-22’c and the elevation of Mettu town is found in weing Dega
(semi-humid climate zone). This type of climate is amicable for both human habitation and economic activities.
3.2. Data source
The data source that would be ready to use were both primary data and secondary data sources. The primary
data source would be too obtained from questioners and direct observation of the family numbers with their
social-economic level. The secondary data source would be too obtained from report formats, published

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profiles from different perspective a case of Mettu town. This would do to ensure anonymity and encourage
more honest and reliable answers.
3.3 Data collection techniques
A well defined questionnaire was used to collect information from the respective respondent. The collected
data was analyzed and interpreted by using tools techniques like percentage, graphs etc.
3.4 Sampling techniques and sampling size
Because of time and budget constraint the researcher was selected 100 respondents in Mettu town and Simple
random listing of probability techniques for the fact that accessed population equal chance to be a respondent
in Mettu town.
The following formula is used to determine the size of sample
n = N/N (e) 2
n = sampling size
N = proportional to population
e = perception of error
e = 0.1
N = 41231
n = 41231/41231(0.1)2 = 100
Therefore, the sample size was selected as 100 respondents among total population of 41231. The central limit
theorem is applicable as normalize the distribution. Out of 100 respondent 43 women and 57 men respondent
were interrogated for specified questions as set in questionnaires.
3.5. Methods of data presentation and analysis
The analysis of data involves descriptive types of data gathered from respective source was organized and
classified according to their similarities and the researcher was used quantitative data analysis and presentation
and qualitative tools represented by table, graph and percentage. The analysis important document was made
in a way that can be easily understands.
4. Data Analysis and Interpretation
Data analysis and interpretation was used both primary and secondary data and from the total of population
41231 the 100 respondents were selected by using simple random sample of probability sample techniques.
And the data was analyzed by using table, chart, and percentage the population development is highly inter-
related one affecting performance of status, family size, occupational status, health status and income level
population is analyzed that is crucial for policy formulation and economic analysis and development.
4.1. Backgrounds of respondents
Table 1. Sex interpretation of respondent
Sex Respondent Percentage %
Male 57 57
Female 43 43
Total 100 100%

Source: household survey, 2008 E.C.

The above table 1 show that the respondent by sex with the total samples of household, the number of the
male is 57(57%) and 43(43%) are female.

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4.2. Age Distribution of Selected Household

Table 2. Age distribution of the selected households
Age group Male Female Total Percentage %
10-20 8 5 13 13
21-30 10 2 12 12
31-40 10 6 16 16
41-50 10 8 18 18
51-60 10 10 24 24
61-65 9 12 21 21
Source: household survey, 2008 E.C.
Table 2 shows that the selected respondent household out of size 13% are age group 10-20,12% age group are
21-30,16% age group are 31-40,18% age group are 41-50 and 24% respondents age group are 51-60 and 21%
of respondents are 61-65. The majority of respondent household economically active and biologically pro-
ductive age group. But the existing problems of the selected as they told the shortage of farmland, lack of
alternative source of live hood and shortage of income in house hold level.
4.3. Respondent of education status
Table 3. Respondent level of education status
No Educational status Male Female Total Percentage %
1 Illiterate 20 10 30 30
2 1-4 10 15 25 25
3 5-8 10 5 15 15
4 9-12 5 5 1 10
5 Diploma 6 4 10 10
6 Degree 6 4 10 10
Total 57 43 100 100
Percentage 57% 43% 100%
Source: household survey, 2008 E.C.
As indication of table 4.3 out of total respondent 30% are illiterate 40% completes primary school (1-8), 10%
are complete secondary and preparatory school (9-12) and 10% have a diploma 10% have degree. Education
is an additional factor that is also through to influence the socio-economic status of households. Education
equips indicial with the necessary knowledge of how to make living educational attainment by households
lead to awareness and benefits from the possible advantage of additional business making knowledge, actively
participate in family planning service with would capitals and it was this assumed to play a role in the deter-
mining a socio-economic improvement. But the above data indicate the existence of high illiterate and lack
family planning technique that cause for rapid population growth.
4.4. Respondent household’s marital status
Table 4. Respondent’s household’s marital status
No Marital status Male Female Total Percentage%
1 Single 20 8 28 28
2 Married 25 19 44 44
3 Polygamy 6 6 6
4 Divorced 6 6 12 12
5 Windowed 10 10 10
Total 57 43 100 100
Percentage 57% 43% 100%

Source: own survey, 2008 E.C.

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The above table 4 shows marital status of respondent out of total sample household 44% married, 6% polyg-
amy, and 28% single, 12% divorced and 10% are widowed. This indicates marital status the rapid increment
of population in study area. The consequence of polygamy, early marriage and lack of family planning service
contribute to for the increasing of family size as household. It brought high rate population growth beyond the
capacity of the land size and serious effects on the quality of the people in terms of access to education, health
and leaving facilities and economic implication.
4.5. Family size of the respondents
Table 5. The family size of the respondents
Family size Number of the respondent
Interval Frequency Percentage
<5 25 25
5-9 35 35
>10 40 40
Total 100 100
Source own survey 2008 E.C.

As table 5 indicates that, out of 80 total samples 25(25%) respondents have less than four children and
35(35%) respondents have between 4-7 children but 40(40%) respondents have greater than ten children. So
the majority of the respondent’s family size is greater ten children. This shows that, they have large family.
The reason they have large family, they lack of farm land, productivity in quality and quantity, housing prob-
lem, health problem and even they have no opportunity to attend education then the population can simply
cause by food insecurity.
4.6. Respondent household by religion
Table 6. Respondent household by religion
No. Religion Status Male Female Total Percentage %
1 Orthodox 30 20 50 50
2 Protestant 20 18 38 38
3 Wake fate 6 3 9 9
4 Traditional 1 2 3 3
5 Total 57 43 100 100
6 Percent 57% 43% 100%
Source: primary household survey, 2008 E.C.
The above table 6 illustrate that the religious has its own factor that contributes the rapid growth of population
in study area. Out of total respondent the highest percent share is orthodoxy (50%) the second protestant (38%)
and wake fate (9%) and traditional Oromo religious follower was (3%).different religion followers people
have different attitude about family planning service and its importance depend upon their religious doctrine;
they believe that using family planning as breaking divine law, due to this they reject scientific way of family
planning to some extent this is the major cause for rapid population growth in the town. Furthermore, the
religious has influence attitude of society to ward job activities many religious people devote their time to
celebrate religion activities. As result, a person lends their life under poverty vicious circle and these discour-
age the productivity of economically active people of this society and community of the area.
4.7. Respondent household land housing in hectare
Table 7. Respondent household land housing in hectare
No Landsite in hectare Male Female Total Percentage %
1 0.025 ha 10 11 21 21
2 0.25 ha 12 8 20 20
3 0.5 ha 14 7 21 21
4 0.75 ha 10 7 17 17
5 1 ha 11 10 21 21
Total 57 43 100 100
Percentage 53% 43% 100 100%
Source: own survey 2008 E.C.

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The above table 7 indicates from the respondents 21(21%) the land size are 0.025 ha, 20(20%) land 0.25 ha,
21(21%) are 0.75 ha, 18(18%) and only 21(21%) are greater than 1 ha. The data implies that the majority of
the households very small land size in the study area because of rapid population growth land fragmented.
There is inverse relationship with population size and farm land size. This implies agricultural output and
productivity of agriculture production are constrained in case of land fragmentation and traditional faming
method.
4.8. Respondent household sources of live hoods
Table 8. Respondent household source of livelihoods
No Source of income Male Female Total Percentage %
1 Agriculture 20 5 25 25
2 Trade 22 23 45 45
3 Government employee 10 10 20 20
4 Handicraft 5 5 10 10
Total 57 43 100 100
Percentage 57 43 100%
Source: ousehold survey, 2008 E.C.

Figure 1. Occupational status of respondent

Source: primary household survey, 2008.
According to the study household lives hood 25% agriculture (primary economic activity, 45% trade and 20%
are government employers). It has negative relationship between agricultural land sizes in the town. This
implies high land fragmentation and it is impossible to harvest enough yield of crop for annual.
4.9. Respondent monthly household incomes
Table 9. Respondent monthly household income
No Income categories Male Female Total Percentage %
1 500-1000 17 10 27 27
2 1000-1500 11 7 18 18
3 1500-2000 9 10 19 19
4 2000-2500 8 6 14 14
5 >2500 12 10 22 22
Total 57 43 100 100
Percentage 57% 43% 100%
Source: primary household survey, 2008 E.C.

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The above table 9 show that the income of respondent under income categories.
The data indicate that the majority of the populations earn income between (500-1000)17%, (1000-1500)18%,
(1500%-2000% 19% and (2000-2500)14%. This implies that the majority of population concentrated in lows
income categories, and the range between high income and low income is high and there is significant dispar-
ity exist between household in relative level of income. Because the majority of population depends on agri-
cultural activity and land is not abundant in the town because of rapid population growth and land fragmen-
tation. And also traditional way of economic activity land unable to harvest enough yield of crop annual.
Children of large families tend to perpetuate the vicious circle poverty by having more children themselves.
These also support the above analysis.
4.10. Population growth rate in Mettu town
Table 10. Population growth trend and annual average growth in the town.
No Year Population Percentage
1 2012 34713 1.58
2 2013 35812 2.02
3 2014 37259 2.42
4 2015 39063 2.78
5 2016 41231 2.83
Total
Percent
Source: administrative office of Mettu town 2008 E.C.

Population rate = (value present - value past/ value past/2)*100

The above tables 4.10 indicate that averagely annual grows rate of population in Mettu town. In 2012 it grows
at 1.58 but today it grows at 2.83 this implies that increment of population occurred time after time. Hence
it’s not only rate of growth but total size of population is changed. This rapid population growth of Mettu
town, currently estimated as a total population 41231 which expected to grow the rapid increment out of the
carrying capacity of land size and other impact on socio-economic activities and but the next year estimation
of population will become around 43561. (Administrative office of Mettu town 2008 E.C.).
4.11. Educational status
Educational directs impious producing rate of return and earning of people in addition to this education had
wide range of in direct effects with investigates positive changes people attitude toward work and society.
The importance of qualifying of people as-productive agent has recently been regarded as the central objective
of developing countries people’s ability and skill have to be improved and their motivation and values mod-
ified in order to make them more suitable for development effort. Increasing education standards of the work
force enable the greater output to be obtained number of workers.
Table 11. The school attendance and sex in Mettu town.
No. Educational status Male female Total Percentage %
1 Current never attending the school 23 32 55 55%
2 Current attending the school 16 14 30 30%
3 Past attending the school 10 5 15 15%
Source; own survey 2008 E.C.

The above table 11 data it indicate the school attendance and sex that out 55% of people, 32% are female and
23% male are never attending the school, 39% of people 16% are male and 14% of female are current attending
school and about 15%, 10% of male and 5% female are attending school in the past. The higher percentages
of never attending school are the major course of rapid population growth because women who do not have
formal education have more children than women with formal education lack family planning techniques. The
number of children desired decrease as educational level increase.
These un attend people are due to different problem that are limited access of school, lack of awareness of the
necessity of school education, economic problems, cultural influence and others are occupied by other activity.

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Country to this population leads to increase in the school population on the family level, the increase in pop-
ulation leads parent to allocate large portion of their current income to ward children for education and con-
sumption. Since the income of parents is not support all of his children, and they usually unable to spend
income on those child as they did, even if their income has been rising because of large number of children
are unable able to support their children. This is tends to return economic growth of town, low living standards
and low saving, which is essentials for investment and vicious circle poverty government in developing coun-
tries according education high priority because of population pressure and partly lack of trained man power
is one of critical obstacle in way of faster economic growth(meier,1989;450).
4.12. The health status
Health service forms the basic social need of the society. Health is a factor development endeavor of the
products of nation and wellbeing of health status for utilization. Improved health also contributes directly to
economic growth while good health drives satisfactory. The following table shows health status of on the
town.
Table 12. Health status
No Health status Male Female
1 Good 5 (5%) 8(8%)
2 Satisfactory 14 (14%) 5(5%)
3 Poor 38(38%) 30(30 %)
Source: Primary household survey, 2008 E.C.

The above table 12 indicates that 13% are good service, 19% are satisfactory service and 68 % are poor
service. Thus mass of the population face challenge to get adequate health service. Malnutrition and disease
concern that of high population growth and poor are unable to receive access to sufficient health are moreover,
the number of physicians in the town is not compatible with the number of population of town in general wide
spread of poverty, malnutrition, how education level, in adequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities
have contributed is not compatible with the number of the population of Mettu town.
In general wide spread of poverty, malnutrition low educational level, in adequate access to clean water and
sanitation facilities have contributed to high degree of illness health in the town area. This situation is caused
by rapid population growth.
5 Conclusion and Recommendations
5.1 Conclusions
The main objective of this study is to investigate the socio-economic impact of rapid population growth in
Mettu town. According to little available information, this paper draws more attention on the socio-economic
impact of rapid population.
The review of demographic trend in mettu town that population has increase rapidly, this incremental of new
born to the population every year is due to different factor. Those are early marriage polygamy, those who
have more than one wife, lack of education, religious impact, because of they depend up on their religious
doctrine.
They believe that using family planning as breaking that is the main course for rapid population growth. And
the other social attitude, they believe in or seen as having more children is economic investment of goods, in
that there is an expected return inform of both labor and procession of financial support for parent in old age.
Also sex preference has its own role in population growth.
The overall impact of population growth are observed first in excessive land fragmentation, high dependence
ratio, and high rate of unemployment, shortage of food at household level and low social service. As a result,
the livelihood of many household is gradually deteriorating and incomparable with the family size. This has
made most families to face several problems such as shortage of income level medical care, education, and
other basic requirements are constraint the study area people.

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ISSN (print) – 2520-6621, ISSN (online) – 2520-6214

5 Recommendation
The research study proposes the following policy recommendations based on the findings.
✓ Special programs are required for raising awareness about family planning of the community.
✓ It is better elementary education is essential for all.
✓ It is better to increase the awareness about infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS etc. must be imparting at
grassroots level.
✓ Encouraging and promoting the late marriage by the government that is important to reduce the affective
child bearing of woman.
✓ Its better when government increase the number of job opportunity available through job creating in or-
der to reduce unemployment problem.
✓ Society are better to understand the problem of fertility or problem that cause by fertility and attempt to
reduce high fertility by using family planning.
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Acronims
GDP = Growth Domestic Productive
BRI = Birth Rate and Immigration
IM = International Market
AD = After Death
E.C. = Ethiopian Calendar

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