Abstract
This paper examines fertility levels (1990-2000) and trends (1980-2000) in francophone sub-Saharan Africa, and suggests likely prospects for further decline during the 2000-2010 period. Data are from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), the World Fertility Surveys (WFS), and the World Bank. Fertility levels are still high in francophone sub-Saharan Africa, but vary widely from a total fertility rate (TFR) of 4.6 children per woman in Cameroon (1998) to 7.2 in Niger (1998). Overall, fertility has been declining in francophone sub-Saharan Africa, although the pace has been much slower than the one prevailing in English-speaking countries. Age at marriage, but not contraceptive prevalence rates, is significantly associated with fertility differentials among French-speaking countries. Projections for the year 2010 indicate that total fertility rates will remain high over the next decade.
Recommended Citation
Ngom, Pierre and Fall, Soukeynatou
(2002)
"Fertility Decline in Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa: 1980-2010,"
Journal of African Policy Studies: Vol. 8:
No.
2, Article 4.
Available at:
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/joaps/vol8/iss2/4