Fertility Transition in Zimbabwe: Determinants of Contraceptive Use and Method Choice

This study estimates the determinants of current contraceptive method choice that account for demand and supply factors in Zimbabwe. Data were obtained from the 1988-89 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey and a World Bank survey of community services available. Analysis is based on a continuous time model of life cycle fertility that was developed by Newman (1988). The empirical model is different from Montgomerys (1988) specifications in that fertility intentions are treated as an observed endogenous variable that is conditioned by births and deaths. None of the quality of care measures the distance variable and the presence of public transportation variable significantly predicted contraceptive method choice. Significant factors affecting contraceptive method choice (CMC) included age and urban residence wifes education after grade 6 and residence in cities on communal land or on commercial farms. In a model controlling for background variables only access to a ZNFPC clinic was associated with significantly lower fertility. Child mortality was significantly affected by womens education beyond 6 years access to sanitation and urban residence. Mens schooling had weaker effects. The interaction of education beyond 7 years for women aged 15-25 years had a negative effect on deaths. Intentions to space and to stop childbearing were affected the strongest by the number of living children. Contraceptive use was largely determined by fertility intentions as a demand variable. After controlling for intentions modern contraceptive use was more likely among women aged under 35 years women with greater schooling women with more family assets and urban women. The presence of community-based distribution (CBD) significantly increased modern use. Family planning messages also determined use. Policy should focus on education but not at the expense of IEC and CBD.