As a solution it is also inadequate because it doesn't address why population growth occurs. In the Third World large families are often a matter of survival. Grinding poverty means that people have to resort to felling trees for fuel, to grazing land until it is barren and useless, to accepting contracts to dispose of first world toxic waste. In the Third World children are the most important economic and social asset. They provide security.
Many births are necessary to guarantee survival of some to adulthood.
The family unit is made to substitute for non-existent health and welfare systems and other economic and social supports. Opportunities for employment and education for women are limited. The problem is not that poor people are uneducated, irresponsible and need to have family planning systems installed or even forced upon them, as it is often presented. People will decide not to use artificial contraceptives for a number of reasons, not just lack of access. There are fears of side effects or the risk of infertility, insensitive staff at clinics, wanting more children, as well as cultural ideas and practices which discourage women from using contraception or taking on roles outside the home.