Population and Poverty: New Views on an Old Controversy

There are two contrasting views about the relationship between population growth and poverty. Some believe that high fertility causes poverty and that lower fertility is the key to reducing poverty while others believe that economic policies determine poverty reduction and that contraception is a private good. However both the neo-Malthusians and their critics who shared the same long- term goal of reducing poverty were misled in thinking that their particular strategy is the sole solution. Family planning (FP) will not necessarily reduce poverty in developing countries but neither will many of the present models of economic development. On the other hand a slower rate of population growth combined with sound and equitable economic development and the reduction of gender inequality appears increasingly likely to achieve that goal. Overall fertility and FP is essential for poverty reduction for poor households and for poor countries. It is important therefore that policymakers understand the evidence supporting the view that lower fertility does contribute to poverty reduction and that public policies that help poor people manage their reproductive lives have societal as well as individual benefits.