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Zimbabweans opt for fewer children
The Herald (Zimbabwe)
July 12, 2006

http://www1.herald.co.zw/inside.aspx?sectid=5997&cat=1&livedate=7/12/2006

MOST Zimbabweans are opting to have between two and three children owing to a number of factors, the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey has shown.

Apart from economic and social factors, the drop in population growth is largely a result of the empowerment of the girl child, which has seen girls spending more time at school and opting to pursue professional careers before becoming mothers.

The emergence of a primary health care system that can be accessed by all has also played a part in the reduction in population growth.

According to the fertility trends in the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, in 1981 the average number of children per woman was seven.

"By 1994 the average number of children per family had dropped to five and in 1999 to four," the survey says.

Zimbabwe has been following world trends, which has seen birth rates sink to replacement level.

The two major exceptions are China where a one-child policy is followed and parts of Africa where birth rates are still higher.

The widespread use of contraceptives and economic factors have also contributed in bringing about this change.

"According to the 2002 census the average of children now stands at three," the Demographic and Health survey says.

A survey conducted by The Herald indeed revealed that most couples were now opting to have at least two to three children while the phenomenon of having one child was no longer considered odd.

While in the past there was pressure on young couples to have as many children as possible, now some mind sets have changed.

"I always tell my daughters not to just fall pregnant unless they are sure they can provide for themselves and the child. There are all sorts of complications associated with childbirth now and one has to be monitored regularly to be assured of a safe delivery.

"That does not come cheap so if one knows there is no money for such, they should just not fall pregnant," said Gogo Zulu (60) of Eastlea.

Another elderly woman Mrs Pellagia Makumbinde (62) said having fewer children meant a prolonged life, so she always advised her daughters and daughters-in-law to have two children early on in their marriages and then devote their time to watching them grow.

Maternity fees are ranging between $11 million and $100 million now.

According to the latest statistics released by the Central Statistical Office — the consumer basket for an average Zimbabwean family of five — stands at $68,4 million a month.

In its World Population Day statement the United Nations Population Fund is targeting young people who they say are threatened with poverty, illiteracy, risks of pregnancy and childbirth and HIV and Aids.

UNFPA said it recognised that investment in young people promoted social and economic growth.

Key to these efforts, it said, was keeping girls in school, building life skills, delaying marriage and pregnancy until adulthood and preventing HIV infection.

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