Page 141 - IJPS-11-5

International Journal of
Population Studies Fertility desire of married women

higher than that of other regions of the world (Bongaarts, correlations between fertility levels and both age at first
2020). It is evident that population growth rates have marriage and contraceptive prevalence (Ojakaa, 2022).
significantly declined in developed regions due to a drastic Limiting childbirth is crucial for women and their
fertility transition, which has reduced the total fertility families in SSA as it significantly enhances maternal and
rate to below the replacement level (Cheng et al., 2022). child health. Frequent pregnancies increase the risk of
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) estimates maternal mortality and complications such as anemia,
showed that in 2024, the world population was eight pre-eclampsia, and obstetric fistula. By spacing births and
billion people (UNFPA, 2024), in which SSA accounted for limiting the number of children, women can recover fully
approximately 1.2 billion with an average total fertility rate between pregnancies, reducing health risks and leading to
of four children per woman (Tesfa et al., 2023). SSA has the better overall well-being.
highest total fertility rate in the world, with a population On a broader scale, reducing high fertility rates in
growth 7 times higher than that of more developed regions SSA is vital for economic and social development. Lower
(Tesfa et al., 2023; UNFPA, 2022). This situation has led fertility rates can contribute to a demographic dividend.
to a dramatic increase in the population of developing Moreover, smaller family sizes enable households to
countries, primarily caused by an increase in the number save more and invest in their futures, enhancing overall
of women reaching reproductive age and slow changes in economic stability (Ahinkorah et al., 2021). For SSA
fertility rates (UNFPA, 2022; UNPD, 2019). countries, managing population growth is essential for
Evidence shows that although fertility decline has sustainable development, as it helps reduce the strain on
begun in nearly all parts of SSA, the pace of decline has natural resources, public services, and infrastructure,
been slower than in other parts of the world (Bongaarts, paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous society
2016; Bongaarts & Casterline, 2013). Given the high (Bongaarts, 2009). Studies across SSA and elsewhere
levels of fertility in SSA, significant health policies and have identified various demographic factors, such as age,
programming have been devoted to improving women’s parity, ideal number of children, and socioeconomic
access to and use of modern contraceptives (Emeh et al., factors, such as educational level, religious beliefs, current
2023). These family planning initiatives are intended to contraceptive use, and decision-making autonomy, as key
enhance women’s sexual and reproductive health rights drivers influencing women’s desire to limit childbearing
to enable them to make informed reproductive decisions (Ahinkorah et al., 2020; Bolarinwa et al., 2022; Matovu
to space or limit childbearing, so that they can meet their et al., 2017; Muluneh & Moyehodie, 2021).
desired reproductive goals (Ezeanolue et al., 2015; Oronje The timing of key reproductive events, such as the
et al., 2011). Various initiatives aimed at promoting age of first sexual activity and the age of first marriage,
contraception use have been discussed at the continental significantly influences a woman’s fertility preferences
level. One such example includes the 2006 Maputo and her eventual desire to limit childbearing. Studies
Program of Action, signed by 48 African Union member indicate that women who engage in sexual activity at an
countries. The plan called for enhancing universal access early age are more likely to experience early marriage
to reproductive health services among women by 2015 and prolonged reproductive spans, which increase their
(African Union, 2006). total fertility rates and delay their inclination to limit
High fertility in SSA is largely attributed to cultural childbearing (Ahinkorah et al., 2021; Kidie et al., 2024).
norms favoring large families, limited access to Early marriage is often associated with limited access
contraception, and lower levels of female education and to education and economic opportunities, reinforcing
employment opportunities (Mwaisaka et al., 2020). Recent traditional gender roles and higher fertility expectations,
trends indicate that fertility decline has occurred in most particularly in SSA (Bongaarts, 2020; Namukoko et al.,
SSA countries, although the fertility rates remain higher 2022). Conversely, women who delay their first sexual
compared to other regions of the world. The average activity and marriage tend to have better access to
total fertility rate in East Africa dropped to 3.9 children education, reproductive health services, and contraceptive
per woman in 2023, whereas West Africa remains high methods, enabling them to make informed decisions
at 5.1 children per woman (Tesfa et al., 2023). National regarding their fertility preferences (Adhikari, 2010;
initiatives, such as expanded family planning programs Muhoza, 2019). Understanding the interplay between
in Kenya and Rwanda, have contributed to observed these factors is essential for shaping policies that promote
declines in East African countries. On the other hand, delayed marriage, comprehensive reproductive health
Southern Africa has the most advanced fertility transition, education, and access to modern contraceptive methods to
characterized by early childbearing peaks and negative help women achieve their reproductive goals.

Volume 11 Issue 5 (2025) 135 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.5584