A major cause of rapid population growth rate in Tropical Africa is

Analyze the question: We are asked for a major cause of rapid population growth in Tropical Africa. Population growth rate depends on birth rate, death rate, and migration. Rapid growth usually means a high birth rate combined with a falling death rate.

Concept: In many Tropical African countries, birth rates remain high because of:

• Early marriage and preference for large families
• Cultural and religious beliefs that favour many children
• Children seen as labour and as security in old age
• Limited access to, or low use of, family planning and contraception

At the same time, improved healthcare has reduced death rates, so more people survive and the population grows quickly.

Evaluate each option:

• A. Improved transport facilities: This affects movement and access to services. It is not a direct cause of high birth rates, so it is not a major cause of growth.
• B. Much pressure on land: This is a consequence of population growth, not a cause.
• C. Malnutrition and diseases: These raise the death rate, which would slow population growth.
• D. Lack of family planning: This leads to high fertility and a high birth rate, which directly drives rapid growth. ✔

Answer: The correct option is D, lack of family planning.

Exam tip: In population questions, ask yourself whether an option raises birth rate or lowers death rate (causes of growth), or whether it is an effect of growth (such as pressure on land). Anything that raises death rates, such as disease and malnutrition, will not be a cause of rapid growth.