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Difficulty: MediumPopulation Migration Causes and Effects

The ratification of regional free movement agreements in West Africa has led to an increased outflow of young, skilled professionals from agrarian communities to rapidly growing industrial hubs. Which of the following outcomes represents a direct demographic impact experienced by the source regions?

  1. An increase in the age dependency ratio due to the loss of working-age populationAnswer
  2. B
    The rapid expansion of nucleated settlement patterns across rural agricultural zones
  3. C
    A decline in the overall dependency ratio as remaining households become economically inactive
  4. D
    An influx of foreign labor seeking enhanced employment opportunities in rural farms

Answer

An increase in the age dependency ratio due to the loss of working-age population
When young, economically active adults emigrate from a source area, the remaining population disproportionately consists of children and the elderly. Because the dependency ratio is calculated by dividing the non-working dependent population by the working-age population, a reduction in working-age individuals increases the overall dependency ratio in the sending community.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the migration flow direction and demographic characteristics of the migrants.
The scenario describes out-migration (emigration) of young, economically active working-age individuals from rural source regions to industrial hubs.
Understanding who migrates is essential for determining demographic changes at the origin.
2
Analyze the impact of out-migration on the source region's population structure.
When working-age people leave, the proportions of elderly people and children relative to working adults increase.
Dependency ratio is defined as the dependent population (aged <15 and >64) divided by the working-age population (aged 15–64).
3
Determine the effect on the dependency ratio.
A smaller denominator (working-age group) results in a higher dependency ratio in the source area.
This directly matches the core demographic consequence of selective out-migration.

Key Concept

Impact of selective out-migration on source area dependency ratios
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Population Migration Causes and Effects

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