EXPLORING THE PARADOX OF POPULATION GROWTH AND FOOD RESOURCES IN PUNJAB – PAKISTAN: REASSESSMENT IN THE LIGHT OF MALTHUSIAN THEORY

Abstract

The correlation between population growth and economic development has been a persistent subject of inquiry among demographers and development economists. While some academics assert that population growth impedes economic development, others contend that it is advantageous due to the expansion of the workforce. Thomas Robert Malthus posited that population increases surpass the growth of food resources, resulting in food shortages and a diminished standard of living. The Neo-Malthusian theory advocates for the implementation of population control measures. This research delves into the connection between population growth and economic development in Pakistan, examining the validity of Malthus' assumptions. As the sixth most populous country with limited land area, Pakistan's largest unit, Punjab, holds a substantial portion of its population and food production. Through the analysis of data spanning from 1971 to 2017, despite experiencing a rapid population growth rate of 2.4% in 2017, a positive association between population growth and food resources was identified throughout the studied period.