The determinants of household fertility decisions in Burkina Faso

Abstract

Abstract This paper examines the factors that influence household fertility decisions in Burkina Faso. A negative binomial regression model is used with survey data from the 2021 Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), collected by National Institute of Statistics and Demography (INSD). The analysis reveals the following key findings. Education is a significant determinant of household fertility decisions, with varying effects depending on the area of residence. Specifically, education has a negative impact on fertility decisions in urban areas. Women's decision-making power within the household is negatively correlated with their fertility intentions. Women who marry before the age of 18 are likely to have fewer children. The household standard of living has a significant impact on fertility decisions. Women from high-income households tend to have greater fertility intentions than those from poor households. The use of contraceptive methods reduces household fertility. Therefore, fertility control programmes should focus on educating women, increasing their bargaining power, and disseminating contraceptive methods. JEL codes: D1; J13; J16; R20