The determinants of fertility in Swaziland
Warren, C.W.; Johnson, J.T.; Gule, G.; Hlophe, E.; Kraushaar, D.
Population Studies 46(1): 5-17
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0032-4728 DOI: 10.1080/0032472031000145976Document Number: 319098
Utilizing mainly data from the Swaziland Family Health Survey (FHS) of 1988, the article considers the relative importance of different proximate determinants on fertility in Swaziland, and whether the relative importance of different proximate determinants varies in various sub-groups of the population (measured by residence and educational attainment). It uses Bongaarts' model of the primary fertility-utility variables that directly affect fertility, based on the four indices: of proportion married, of contraception, of post-partum infecundability, and of involuntary infertility. Results indicate that in Swaziland at present, post-partum infecundability is the most important direct determinant of fertility. The importance of this factor remains strong regardless of place of residence or educational level, and the behavioural patterns regarding breast feeding seem well entrenched. Mothers should continue to be encouraged to breast feed, but this is unlikely to have any further fertility-inhibiting effect. Separation of spouses, due to labour migration to South Africa contributes to post-partum sexual abstinence. The effect of nuptiality in reducing fertility seems to be moderate. Although contraception was less important than nuptiality or post-partum amenorrhoea as a fertility-inhibiting factor, it was almost as important as amenorrhoea for those with a high-school education or more.