Economic Crisis and Fertility in Zimbabwe

Takudzwa Sayi, Princeton University

Close to two decades ago, the economy of Zimbabwe began to deteriorate at unprecedented rates to levels that were unprecedented within the country. Demographic theories suggest that such dramatic changes in the context in which reproduction and reproductive decisions occur, as well as the inherent uncertainty, will have an effect on fertility trends. Using data from the 2010/11 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, this paper examines the relationship between economic change and fertility trends between 1997 and 2009. Preliminary findings show that birth probabilities at all parities change with fluctuations in the economic climate. Findings from this analysis will add to discussion on crisis-led fertility transitions, but also on the future of fertility transition in Zimbabwe.