Prime Minister, Bernard Makuza, on Wednesday, presented before both chambers of Parliament, the government’s 7-year development strategy. The detailed plan included transforming Rwanda from a poor country to a middle income one, within a single generation.

For the government to achieve its targets, it is important that the rate of population growth is closely monitored. Rwanda is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa, and if the population keeps growing uncontrollably, it will put a strain on the country’s resources, therefore, hindering meeting of the targets that are set out in the government’s programmes.

Important to note is that approximately 90 per cent of the population depends on land for their livelihoods. And, land being a resource that is constant in size, uncontrolled population growth will only put added pressure on the land, hence affecting its productivity.

Family planning campaigns should be increased so that the sizes of families are manageable and enjoy the best possible standard of living. The Rwandan people must understand that certain resources, such as land, are limited and have to be shared and managed well, if their lives are to be improved – one of the key objectives in the governments plan.

The country has registered remarkable progress, and for this to be sustained, it is important that the available resources or projected growth is in line with the population at any given point.

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