Trends and Inequalities in Use of Modern Contraception in Niger

Ibrahim Maazou, Institut National de la Statistique, Niger
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

This study explore modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) trends and variations among some characteristics to understand 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. We use projections model from family planning estimation tool (FPET) to estimate mCPR by 2030. 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. About three out of ten women with at least a secondary level or living in Niamey or urban area used modern contraceptive compared to only one out of ten uneducated women or women living in Maradi, Zinder, Tillaberi or in rural areas.The mCPR was four-fold among women in the highest wealth quintile than women in the lowest quintile. Four every one year increased inincreased education attainment, the mCPR increased by about 5%. 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. Adolescent girls, rural women and those socioeconomically disadvantaged have less mCPR. To reduce high fertility in Niger, family planning program implementers must put more efforts in reaching on disadvantaged groups.

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

See paper.