ABSTRACT
The inter-relationship between size and growth of population on the one hand, and economic development, on the other, have been recognised for a long time. Although effects of economic development on population attributes are straightforward, the relationship in the reverse direction (i.e. how population impacts upon the process of development), however, has been a matter of intense debate and controversy. This chapter is devoted to this debate. Drawing evidences from other varied sources, the discussion in the chapter takes a critical look at the Malthusian perspective with particular reference to the impact of population growth on food supply and environmental quality.
