Evolution of Fertility in Cameroon between 1991 and 2004: Sources of Change and Implications for Future Trends

Omar Moussa Ali, Direction de la Statistique et des Etudes Demographiques (DISED)

Although sub-Saharan Africa still maintains the highest fertility levels in the world, many african countries have begun their fertility transition over the last fifteen years. In Cameroon for instance, the birth rate fell from 5.8 in year average of 1991 to 5.0 in 2004. Whether and how African continuous transitions depends on a sound understanding of the drivers of the recent declines in fertility. By doing so, this study uses Cameroon DHS data and decomposition methods to examines the impact of the standard of living and the education level in the fertility trends in Cameroon Between 1991 and 2004. The ultimate goal is to contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of fertility and hence to improve policies and programs to control fertility in Cameroon.