Fertility rates across Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia have dropped by more than half since the 1970s, as economic pressures, changing social norms and wider access to contraception reshape family size preferences, according to the report.
Fertility rates in Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia have fallen by more than half since the 1970s
Fertility rates across Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia have dropped by more than half since the 1970s, as economic pressures, changing social norms and wider access to contraception reshape family size preferences, according to the report.
Young couples interviewed for the report pointed to the rising cost of living as a central factor. Ahmed, a 21-year-old student, said he would prefer to have two children in order to balance their needs with those of their parents. Bouchra Bekioua, a 21-year-old bride-to-be, similarly said families increasingly see two children as more manageable. Achraf Boukhamera, 25, cited low average incomes as another reason couples are choosing smaller families.
Demographers say financial concerns are not the only driver. Later marriage, delayed childbearing, wider access to contraception, rising educational attainment among women, difficulties entering the workforce and evolving expectations around family life are also contributing to declining fertility patterns.
Hassen Kassar, a professor of demography and social sciences, said Tunisia is already experiencing a decline in its working-age population alongside a growing proportion of older people. He warned that the demographic shift could increase Tunisia's need for migrant labour as fewer young people enter the workforce in the years ahead.
- The source does not state which institution or body Hassen Kassar is affiliated with.
- The source does not provide specific current fertility rate figures for any of the three countries.
- The source does not identify the methodology or origin of the demographic data cited.
- The source does not state whether Morocco and Algeria face the same projected labour shortfall as Tunisia.
- The source does not name the outlet, study, or organisation that produced the report.
Read the original at Africanews