Introduction

The existence of a close mutual interrelationship between population trends and patterns on one hand, and economic and social development on the other, has long been acknowledged in the literature. The writings of Malthus in the late eighteenth century provide an early example of this preoccupation, and since that time economists and social scientists have studied the problem and politicians have attempted to make use of theoretical and predictive formulations postulated by researchers and analysts. The literature is still growing at an impressive rate (U.N., 1971; Tabah, 1976; Hauser, 1979; Easterlin, 1980).

In this essay an attempt is made to discuss briefly various relevant concepts and to suggest possible relationships between the two basic sets of variables – one pertaining to development projects and the other to demographic behaviour. The author is aware that even if the discussion starts at a fairly general level (national), it must inevitably focus on a regional or even local scene, where geographers have often made relevant detailed studies (Webb, 1976: 15).

Development processes and policies

The concept of development and its objectives have been variously defined in the past. The earlier narrowly-conceived economic definition, whereby development was considered synonymous with increasing per capita income or gross national product (G.N.P.), was gradually replaced by a broader concept including various measures – economic, social and structural (Hoselitz, 1960; Kuznets, 1966; Todaro, 1977). The contemporary geographical literature opts for a broad definition (Johnson, 1981: 78).