The environmental effects of population growth : a case study of the Rustenburg core area (Bojana Region) in North West Province (South Africa)

Abstract

This dissertation is entitled, "The Environmental Effects of Population Growth: A Case Study of the Rustenburg Core Area". One of the major influences on the balance between humans and the environment is the number of people living in a specific area. The earth has limited resources and cannot support an unlimited number of people. The more people there are in an area, the more the pressure they put on the earth's resources. The movement of people to urban areas, coupled with the natural increases in the urban population, has resulted in an over burdening of the already inadequate urban facilities available, causing overpopulation, in turn leading to crime, pollution and resulting in health problems. The study sought to answer the following research questions: • How fast is the human population increasing in the Rustenburg Core Area? • What are the perceptions of people in the Rustenburg Core Area about the land? • How do the people's actions pose a threat to the environment in the Rustenburg Core Area? • What actions are necessary for conservation and preservation of resources in the Rustenburg Core area? The study drew its population and sample from the Boitekong, Tlhabane (Yizo Yizo section), Paardekraal and Kanana areas of the Rustenburg Core Area. The data collected through interviews and questionnaires were subjected to both quantitative and qualitative analysis. At post-test, findings with regard to the research aims were evident. The literature search revealed that, the main troubling effects of population growth result from human activity, primarily through resource exploitation. Findings on the views of people were also noted. People are not happy about the way their surroundings look. Many people live in shanty houses without basic amenities.

Concerning the remedies for solving the problems caused by population growth, it was suggested that every individual must accept some responsibility and realize that everything they do can affect the environment. Finally, to ensure success in trying to deal with the problems caused by population growth in urban areas, the study expressed the need for further research to be conducted on the abandonment of more difficult environments and the concentration of population in economic core regions, notably urban centres with special population and environment problems, particularly for the urban poor.