Analyzing the population pyramid of Rwanda

            Population statistics are perceived to be like crystal balls that aid in predicting the future of the nation as well as offer significant clues about the past. In this video, Kim Preshoff explains the general use of population pyramids has the potential of assisting social scientists and policymakers to make sense of the data collected through comparing the pyramids of three nations (Walle, 2016). 

            Taking into account the statistical information displayed by the video, the population of Rwanda is expected to increase in the near future. The reason for that is because the population of Rwanda is in the pre-reproductive phase. As a result of that, the country’s children are anticipated to be mothers and fathers later in life hence causing the doubling of the population for the coming few decades. Since this can be perceived to be the start of industrialization, there will be improvements in sanitation, medicine and food supply. Furthermore, the end result of it is the decrease in child mortality rate, and high life expectancy (Population pyramids: Powerful predictors of the future - Kim Preshoff Prompt, 2019).

            Consequently, with the increase in population, companies will be expected to experience continued growth in various areas, for instance, promotions, expansions, and so on. Another effect of this scenario is that the working population will have to be replaced with new working class in the process of retiring. It is believed that although it will not have the ability of cutting in benefits, it will not make taxes to increase, decrease, or increase borrowing, nor facilitates the adjustment in the cost of living (Clifford s& John, 2014). Ideally, it is perceived that the resulting policy flexibility and the macroeconomic stability of Rwanda are some of the foundations that have the ability of maintaining steady economic growth.

            Nevertheless, although the country’s downside risks have been domestically and externally increasing, it is important to examine its employment landscape. For a number of decades that has passed, the nation has been experiencing substantial job challenges. Understanding the characteristics of the population of Rwanda is important in preventing food shortages, avoiding ecological threats, as well as understanding the lessons that aid in blowing of chronic poverty. In the process of achieving its transformational goals, it means that it will be possible to transform Rwanda into the middle income state with private sector-driven and a knowledge-based economy (Uhlenberg, 2008). This in return implies that, improving recruitment outcomes will also another strategy the Rwandan government will be forced to adopt for the purpose of driving sustainable and rapid economic growth and poverty reduction.

            On the other hand, in case that will not be possible, it is important for the Rwanda National Employment policy to ensure that they have created at least 200, 000 jobs per year so as to aid in meeting the recruitment needs of its labor force. From the population pyramid, it implies that the past recruitment dynamics was relatively better. Therefore, with the decline in the population of Rwanda, it means that its employment dynamics will be associated with the movement towards the non-farm occupations that is ultimately spearheaded by the young generation. Conversely, with the continued uptake of additional existing jobs, it means that there will be a rise in labor earnings from the low base (Waugh et al., 2000). 

            In addition to that, with the decline in population, another challenge that will evolve is the high and increasing incidences of under-employment. This will be a clear indication of the low demand for labor or decline in recruitment in the economy. From the population statistics collected, it is also evident that despite such an increase, earning will continue to remain low. Furthermore, the rising agricultural productivity will also remain to be the most efficient mans of increasing returns. Therefore, one of the strategies that government will be forced to use is increasing agricultural returns. Over the next ten years, agriculture is perceived to be the ultimate means of employing millions of Rwandans. In return, this has the ability of improving their economic conditions (Waugh et al., 2000). 

            Nevertheless, through the Rwanda National Employment policy, the population statistics or the Rwandan population pyramid indicates that it is possible to improve its informal business environment. As a result of that, it means that those who could have wished to enter the labor market will have the opportunity of creating or finding recruitment in non-farm sectors. Both the informal and formal business environment will be forced to collaborate together so as to foster the accommodation of the rising labor force (Uhlenberg, 2008).

            Nonetheless, the report suggests that the leadership of Rwanda has been extremely supportive in issues dealing with family planning. This has been possible through the use of a network of CHWs (community health workers), communication campaigns aimed at driving the continued demand for family planning as well as behavioral change. As a result of that, it is evident from the population pyramid that the current decline in fertility will provide the opportunity for boosting economic growth. Such a strategy will necessitate it to be combined with the promotion of job creation, better investment in health, good quality and equitable education, and good governance (Weber, 2010). This is what will enable the country to have the opportunity of reaping the fruits of its demographic dividend.

 

 

                                                           

                                                            References

Clifford, O. O & John, K. (2014). Continuity and Change in Sub-Saharan African Demography: Routledge African Studies. Routledge Press

Population pyramids: Powerful predictors of the future - Kim Preshoff Prompt. (2019). [Video].

Uhlenberg, P. (2008). International handbook of population aging. Dordrecht: Springer.

Walle, E. V. D. (2016). African Households: Censuses and Surveys. Florence Taylor and Francis Press

Waugh, D., Clutton, E., Morris, S., Murray, P., & Smith, J. (2000). Geography: An integrated approach. Walton-on-Thames: Nelson.

Weber, L. (2010). Demographic change and economic growth: Simulations on growth models.