— DR. RAMHARI ARYAL
DR. RAMHARI ARYAL, a population expert, spoke to SPOTLIGHT on various issues relating to declining fertility. Excerpts:
How do you see the current trend of small families?
Twenty-six years ago, the fertility rate was 6.3 and less than three percent of population adopted family planning method. At the time, Nepal was among the countries with highest fertility rates. The Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2001 has shown a decline in fertility and an increase in the use of family planning methods. The report shows that female fertility is now 4.1 percent and on a declining trend. Although migration and fertility are two components of population growth, the decline in the fertility rate will have a significant impact. There is no detailed study on migration patterns and nobody knows its impact.
Why has there been such a drastic reduction in the fertility rate?
In demographic term, there are four factors that help to reduce the fertility rate. The marriage age, the use of family planning methods, declining in infant mortality rate and increase in the number of literate population contributes to the reduction of the fertility rate.
What has encouraged couples to have a smaller family?
As career opportunities expand, people have less time to raise children. A major advantage of a small family is more affordability of children. As infant mortality has been reduced drastically, one does not worry about other children. The average marriage age is 17. One cannot see a significant decline in the fertility rate until the marriage age reaches 21.
How do you assess the use of contraception?
The use of contraception has increased by several folds. The recent survey shows that 37 percent of women aged between 15 and 49 use contraceptives. Very few newly married couple use contraceptives. If the government provides sufficient contraceptives to newly married couple, the fertility rate would decline further. Contraception is yet to produce the desired results. The fertility rate is still 4.1.