Part 4/9:
Despite facing challenges related to poverty and lack of development, sub-Saharan Africa continues to experience high fertility rates, averaging around 4.5 children per woman. This rate is higher than most regions worldwide and has been declining slowly compared to rapid declines in fertility rates seen elsewhere, such as in Latin America and parts of Asia.
Factors contributing to persistent high fertility in the region include economic conditions, cultural norms, and the ongoing influence of religion. In many rural areas, children are seen as economic assets, which significantly influences family size. Moreover, sub-Saharan Africa’s unique historical context, characterized by population shortages due to high mortality rates, has reinforced pronatalist sentiments across cultures.