Integration of population and development planning toward an ecological complex

This work proposes an approach derived from human ecology as a framework for the integration of population into development planning. The work begins by reviewing the evolution of the concept of integration of population into development planning and identifying theoretical and practical deficiencies in current use of the concept. It goes on the analyze the reasons why an integrated approach is desirable and necessary from the standpoint of unequal development between rich and poor nations; the force and relative weight of each factor the analytical level of the interaction of population and development and the efficiency and results of efforts to reduce demographic pressures and improve socioeconomic conditions in developing countries. The concept of the ecological complex is then defined and its utility as a framework for evaluating the relationship between population and development is assessed. The ecologic complex is defined in terms of relations between 4 kinds of variables: population organization environment and technology. The basic unit of observation structural dimensions characteristics and properties and components of change are identified for each of the 4 types of variables. The framework accommodates numerous analytic points of departure and can be applied to a wide variety of geographic or territorial units. It would be particularly useful for observing changes over time. It includes the entire range of factors usually considered in development plans and data is already available or can be estimated for each of the variables. The framework is intended to be independent of any particularly theoretical orientation but is more compatible with some orientations than others.