Adolescent Fertility Rates in Guatemala and the Socioeconomic and Agricultural Context

Astrid Maria Arriaza Solares, University of Southampton

Distinct contextual factors, such as the coexistence of agriculture and economic modernisation can have a different effect on demographic outcomes, including adolescent fertility. Exploring adolescent fertility rates in country settings that have a diverse economic profile can provide evidence about the link between the socioeconomic context and the prevalence of early childbearing. This research examines within-country variations in adolescent fertility rates in Guatemala, a Global South country characterised by relatively high adolescent fertility rates and a predominantly agrarian economy that has recently undergone some economic modernisation. The findings indicate that sociocultural factors, evidenced by the prevalence of extended households and limited educational services, are associated with higher adolescent fertility rates. Understanding these contextual dynamics is relevant to explain variations within the country. Land-Use-Land-Cover data was used to incorporate proxy indicators of the prevailing agricultural context, identifying higher rates in areas with extensive monoculture production. These socioeconomic and sociocultural contexts are likely to enable certain family structures and settings that might influence sexual and reproductive behaviour and life perspectives among teenagers. While different levels of adolescent fertility persist in Guatemala, the recent increase in the tertiary economic sector and higher education might contribute to a future decline in fertility rates.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Fertility, Population and Development, Economic Demography

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