Regional Fertility Differentials in Mozambique: Socioeconomic, Demographic and Gender-Related Aspects

Paula Miranda-Ribeiro, Cedeplar, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG)
Tânia Buchir, Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE)
Adriana Miranda-Ribeiro, Federal University of Minas Gerais (Centro de Desenvolvimento e Planejamento Regional))
Andrea B. Simão, Cedeplar, UFMG

This paper aims to identify regional differences in fertility in Mozambique, considering socioeconomic, demographic, and gender-related aspects. Socioeconomic and demographic variables include place of residence, level of schooling, and if the woman speaks Portuguese. Access to technology (internet, computer, cell phone, and banking systems) is used as a proxy for gender-related aspects to the extent that the command of resources and access to information are key to female empowerment. Data come from the IV General Population and Housing Census 2017 of Mozambique, made available by the National Statistics Institute (INE). We used the Brass P/F method for data correction and fertility estimates. The results indicate regional differences in fertility rates. In the North and Central regions, where female schooling is lower and fertility is higher, fewer women aged 15 to 49 work and have access to the internet, computers, cell phones, and banking systems. In the South, in contrast, fertility rates are lower, and, at the same time, there are higher levels of schooling, access to the internet, computers, cell phones, and financial transactions among women of reproductive age.

Keywords: Fertility, Gender Dynamics

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