Page 62 - IJPS-11-3

International Journal of
Population Studies Age patterns of fertility in Ethiopia

Figure 1. EDHS estimates of total fertility rates in Ethiopia and its regions for 2000, 2005, 2011, and 2016. Data were sourced from various EDHS reports.
Note: SNNPR has recently dissolved to Sidama Region, Southwest Ethiopia Region, South Ethiopia Regional State and Central Ethiopia Regional State and
results for SNNPR refer to the four regional states as unity.
Abbreviations: EDHS: Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey; SNNPR: Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region.

2. Data and methods observed in Ethiopia (Total and Rural), Amhara, Oromiya,
Benshangul-Gumuz, Southern Nations, Nationalities and
The data requirement and methodological details are
provided as follows. Peoples’ Region (SNNPR), Gambela, and Dire Dawa over
the same period. In regions such as Tigray, Harari, Addis
2.1. Data sources Ababa, and Ethiopia (Urban), TFR declined from 2000 to
2016 but showed a slight increase in 2011 and/or 2016.
2.1.1. TFRs from the EDHS
These regions are noted for urbanization levels, especially
In the absence of any other reliable data, the present Harari and Addis Ababa.
researchers observe that the TFRs reported by EDHS
surveys are the most readily available and plausible This analysis of EDHS TFRs for Ethiopia and its regions
estimates that can be used as input in obtaining the ASFRs above clearly indicates that fertility transition is progressing
of various regions and Ethiopia over time from the MFT. in all the regions in Ethiopia except for Afar and Somali.
It is assumed that regions in Ethiopia reflect the changes This exception is attributed to strong prevailing cultural
occurring at the national level. factors and slower socioeconomic development compared
to others.
Figure 1 illustrates the time trends in the reported
EDHS TFRs of the regions and Ethiopia, compiled from The EDHS has been conducted at regular intervals since
various published EDHS reports. A close observation 2000 with the full support of international organizations
of these trends reveals that Afar and Somali are the like the United States Agency for International
only regions where TFR continuously increased from Development. The main objective of the EDHS surveys
2000 to 2016. Conversely, a consistent decline in TFR is is to provide policymakers, planners, researchers, and

Volume 11 Issue 3 (2025) 56 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.4086