Population Policy

Population policy

Population policy refers to the statement law or regulations enacted to some demographic goals. It is a deliberate effort by the government to influence the demographic factors like fertility, mortality and migration. Thus, the ultimate goal of the population policy is to influence population size.

Characteristics of population policy

1. Selectivity Population policies are selective as they cover only a section or some sections of the demographic factors where the regulation is intended.
2. Explicitly Explicit policies are associated with the stated intention of a nation or government to influence population events. The stipulation in explicit population policies are clear and to the point. Explicit policies can stem from the law, policy declaration by a party or directive issued by the president of the country.
3. Implicitly Implicit policies refer to a particular law, regulation or statement, which may have direct or indirect effect on population growth. Implicit policy is not as elaborate as explicit since it is somehow unclear and cannot be easily understood leading to failure in terms of implementation.

Tanzania population policy

Adoption

Tanzania adopted a National Population Policy (NPP) in 1992.

Key recognitions

The policy acknowledges that:

1. There is no simple cause-and-effect relationship between population growth and economic growth.
2. Population growth may not be the primary obstacle to development.

Historical background

1. Before 1992, Tanzania pursued implicit population policies and programs.
2. These were reflected in government actions addressing various population-related issues.

The impacts of population policy to the country

1. Considerable awareness of population issues particularly those related to reproductive health and child survival by the masses of the people. For example, fertility, infant and child mortality has declined overtime.
2. The adopted population policy recognizes the links and interrelationships between population, resources, the environment, and development.
3. Expansion and/or introduction of population studies in institutions of higher learning in the country.
4. Increased number and capacity of NGOs engaged in population related activities including advocacy and social mobilization, service delivery and capacity building.
5. High knowledge and the use of contraceptive methods among both men and women and male involvement in family planning.

Principle to guide policy implementation

1. Consideration of regional and district variation with regard to the level of socio-economic development.
2. Adherence to the development vision which among other things emphasize the role of the market in determining resources allocation and uses.
3. Continued democratization of the political system with its intended political pluralism as symbolized in the emergence of various political parties or actors and mushroom of independent mass media.
4. Thrift exploitation of the country's non-renewable resources taking consideration the needs of future generations.
5. Recognition and appreciation of the central role of the government, NGOs, private sector communities and individuals in population and development.

Population policy can be explicit or implicitly

1. Explicit population policy. Refer to the document or clear statement issued by the government department and its commission, which is intended to control population growth and raise the standard of life of the people in the country.
2. Explicit policies can also stem from the law. policy declaration by a party or directive issued by the President of the country. Explicit laws are well stipulated and strictly followed or reinforced. Refer to particular law, regulation or statement, which may have direct or indirect effect on population growth. Implicit policy is not as elaborate as explicit since it is somehow unclear and cannot be easily understood leading to failure in terms of implementation.