Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu, Health and Gender Editor
ZIMBABWE may soon face a fertility crisis as the number of young people having children continues to decline globally, with recent data indicating that one in five individuals expect not to have the desired number of children due to barriers such as high costs of parenthood and healthcare, job insecurity and the lack of suitable partners.
This was highlighted in the State of the World Population Report released on Friday by UNFPA, with the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care emphasising their efforts to prevent such a crisis.
UNFPA’s 2025 State of World Population (Swop) report, titled “The Real Fertility Crisis: The pursuit of reproductive agency in a changing world,” reveals that millions are unable to have the number of children they want — not because they reject parenthood, but economic and social barriers hinder them.
“The Government of Zimbabwe upholds reproductive rights, empowering individuals to choose the number, timing and spacing of children they want to have, free from coercion. Fertility rates are a key driver of Zimbabwe’s continued population growth and contribute significantly to its youthful demographic structure. We will continue to support policies to ensure we prevent low birth rates,” said Dr Douglas Mombeshora.
The State of World Population report is UNFPA’s annual flagship publication. Published since 1978, it highlights emerging issues in sexual and reproductive health and rights, bringing them into the mainstream and exploring their implications for international development.
UNFPA notes that in Zimbabwe, fertility rates decrease as household wealth increases. Women in the lowest wealth quintile have significantly more children (average of 5,5) compared to those in the highest quintile (average of 2,6). Additionally, women in the lowest quintile tend to have their first birth approximately three years earlier (at age 19.0) than women in the highest quintile (at age 21,9).
The report’s findings reflect the trend in Zimbabwe, especially in urban areas, where couples are opting for smaller families.
“Total Fertility Rate (TFR) — the average number of children a woman would have by the end of her reproductive years if current fertility rates persist — dropped from 4,3 children per woman in 1994 to 3,8 in 2005-06. Since then, it has remained relatively stable, currently standing at 3,9 in the 2023-24 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey,” the report states.
“This report underscores a critical truth: the ability to choose the size and timing of one’s family is a fundamental human right. When economic precarity, gender inequality and societal pressures limit these choices, we face a ‘real fertility crisis,’” said UNFPA Country Representative, Ms Miranda Tabifor.
She emphasised that UNFPA is dedicated to working with partners to ensure individuals have the resources and support needed to realise their reproductive aspirations, fostering societies where rights and choices are universal.
The UNFPA also highlighted that even women, who wish to have more children often face obstacles due to childcare responsibilities, which hinder career progression and full-time employment opportunities.
“This partly explains why women in the highest wealth quintile have fewer children,” the organisation added.
UK Development Director and Deputy Head of Mission Dr Jo Abbot expressed pride in supporting Zimbabwe and UNFPA’s efforts.
“This report is a wake-up call: when people cannot have the families they want due to economic or social barriers, it’s not just a personal loss — it’s a development challenge. We are committed to supporting policies and partnerships that empower individuals, especially women and young people, to make informed, free choices about their futures,” said Dr Abbot.
UNFPA urges governments to empower individuals to make informed reproductive decisions by investing in affordable housing, decent work, parental leave, comprehensive reproductive health services and reliable information.
@NyembeziMu
