| dc.description.abstract | In response to the lack of information on spatial variations of demographic indices, a brief analysis of the spatial aspects of fertility in Kenya is based on the examination of age specific fertility rates of various districts in the country, with the focus on the current high level of fertility, the spatial pattern, and possible areas of research aimed at providing informed policy guidelines. Measures of regional fertility differentials include: the child-women ratio by district; the crude birthrate by province; general fertility rate by province; birth parity by age of mother and province; reported current age specific fertility rates; proportions of total fertility in specific age groups; and the typology of fertility in Kenya, including fertility curves; percentage of total fertility in specific age groups and type; and percentage of married persons by age. Data on age specific fertility and total fertility rates are analyzed to indicate the spatial differences and similarities in the Kenya pattern of fertility, and analysis of total fertility rates shows distinct areas of very high, medium, and low fertility. However, application of the international typology to the Kenya fertility pattern shows that the common pattern is the broad peak type characteristic of high fertility regions where there is little use of contraceptives. 2 important conclusions are noted: 1st, the observed spatial variations in total fertility appear to distinguish the marginal areas of Kenya and those parts where the differential impact of the development process has led to inequalities in socioeconomic conditions. The 2nd conclusion, arising from the 1st, is that with the narrowing of the development gap, fertility performance in the low fertility areas is expected to be higher, and that the need for a national program of fertility moderation will become even more necessary. | en_US |
