Trends and Inequalities in Use of Modern Contraception in Niger

Ibrahim Maazou, Institut National De La Statistique
Sokhna Thiam, African Population and Health Research Center
Rachida Harouna, Ministère de la Santé Publique, de la Population et de l'Action Sociale
Yahaya Mahamadou, Ministère de la Santé Publique, de la Population et de l'Action Sociale
Gouda Roland M. Mady, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health
Youssoufa Lamou Ousseini, Institut National de la Statistique
Agbessi Amouzou, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Almamy Kante, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Mahamadou Alzouma, Institut National de la Statistique

Niger has the highest fertility rate in the world with little reduction over the past three decades due to high adolescent fertility and low use of modern contraceptive. This study aims to explore modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) trends and variations among social, demographic, economic, and residential characteristics to understand the underlying mechanisms of fertility reduction. We used Niger's national household surveys and routine data from 1992 to 2023 and employed regression analysis to project mCPR trends and determine factors associated with contraceptive use. The findings indicate mCPR increased from 2.3% to 13.5% between 1992 and 2023 among women in union and 0.9% to 8.1% among adolescents during the same period. The FPET model also revealed that Niger will achieve a mCPR of 16.4% by 2030 if the current trends is maintained. This research enriches family planning literature in sub-Saharan Africa, where fertility remains the highest in the world. The findings showed that the annual rate of increase of mCPR is less than 1% in Niger since 1992. To reduce high fertility in Niger, family planning program implementers must put more efforts in reaching on disadvantaged groups but also continue ensuring greater access to their counterparts.

Keywords: Family Planning and Contraception, Fertility, Gender Dynamics, Population Policies

See extended abstract.