High fertility populations refer to communities or groups that exhibit consistently high fertility rates over extended periods of time. Fertility rate represents the number of children born to women of childbearing age within a specific population during a given period. When fertility rates remain high, it indicates that a population is experiencing significant growth due to high birth rates and a relatively young age structure.
Typically, high fertility populations have a total fertility rate (TFR) exceeding the replacement level, which is approximately 2.1 children per woman. This suggests that each successive generation is larger than the previous one, resulting in accelerated population growth.
Factors contributing to high fertility rates can vary across populations but often include cultural, social, economic, and religious influences. In some societies, for instance, having multiple children is culturally valued, culturally mandated, or tied to social status or kinship systems. Economic factors such as lack of access to contraception, low levels of education and employment opportunities for women, and limited healthcare and family planning services can also contribute to elevated fertility rates.
High fertility populations may face several challenges associated with rapid population growth. These can include strains on healthcare systems, educational resources, food production, and housing, among others. Consequently, governments and organizations often aim to promote reproductive health, family planning, and the empowerment of women in order to reduce fertility rates and alleviate these challenges.
