... to a problem depends on what is perceived as the cause of the problem, as we shall see. The first school of thought contends that population growth in itself is not necessarily a major problem, and can in fact be desirable. Proponents of this particular doctrine point to the history of western countries, stating that many of these countries experienced large increases in population which were beneficial in terms of speeding up their economic development. It is believed that this happens because 'larger populations provide the needed consumer demand to generate favourable economies of scale in production, to lower production costs, and to provide a sufficient and low-cost labour supply to achieve higher output levels.'_ The stabilisation in population now generally experienced in the above countries is believed to be a direct result of the benefits which accrue as a result of economic development, for example such countries can afford ...

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