“The fertility level decreased from 6.9 children per woman in 1987 to 6.4 children in 2010 and to 5.5 children in 2016-2017,” reveal the results of the 2016-2017 Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies of Burundi-ISTEEBU.
According to the results of this survey, fertility ranges from 4.1 in urban areas to 5.7 in rural areas. It goes from a minimum of 3.7 children per woman in Bujumbura city to a maximum of 6.6 children per woman in Muyinga province.
According to ISTEEBU, fertility varies significantly depending on the level of education of women. “It is 6.3 per woman among non-educated women, while it is 4.1 children per woman among women having secondary or higher education.”
This survey shows that women in poor families have an average of 6 children per woman compared to 4.4 children per woman in rich families.
According to the same survey, the use of contraceptive methods has increased over the last 30 years from 9% in 1987 to 22% in 2010 and 29% in 2016-17.
Despite this decrease in the fertility rate, Nicolas Ndayishimiye, General Director of ISTEEBU says Burundian women still have a long way to go. The 2025 National Development Plan provides for 3 children per family. “Currently the fertility rate is 5.5 children per woman. Therefore, there is a need to reach 3 children per woman,” says Ndayishimiye.
IWACU Open Data
