How to Analyze the Choice of Modern Contraception in Africa? The Mixed Contraception Indicator Approach.

Tchango Ngalé Georges Alain, Université de Montréal

For several decades now, family planning has been a pillar of social, economic and sustainable development in African countries. Although significant progress has been made on the continent, disparities between countries persist. This observation leads us to question not only the extent to which women of childbearing age in these countries use modern contraception methods, but also the freedom they now have to choose from a diverse range of available methods. We are using data from the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs' World Contraceptive Use 2024 to assess progress in family planning in Africa. We use the mixed contraceptive indicator approach developed by USAID in 2010. We will try to show that a high rate of modern contraceptive prevalence does not always guarantee free and informed choice among the various existing methods. However, it is precisely the latter (choice) that enables women to adopt the method(s) best suited to their life context. Strategies for popularizing modern contraception in Africa should therefore take this into account.

Keywords: Family Planning and Contraception

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