Benefits of Slower Population Growth in Malawi’s Districts

It can also create challenges related to urbanization and infrastructure, including the country's ability to provide enough clean water and electricity. The total fertility rate—a measure of the average number of children a woman will have over her lifetime—contributes to the high rate at which the population is growing. While Malawi's total fertility rate has decreased significantly over time, it is still high, and often couples have more children than they want. The Government of Malawi, the University of Malawi, and partners conducted the second full-scale, national-level application of the Resources for the Awareness of Population Impacts on Development (RAPID) model for Malawi in 2017. This application focused on the projected impact of slower population growth on seven key social and economic development sectors: education, health, agriculture, urbanization, water, energy, and the economy. The district-level results presented in the following posters are based on population projections comparing the population growth that would be expected if the average number of children per woman in a district remains constant over time, versus if the number of children decreases to replacement-level fertility (an average of 2.3 children per woman) by 2050. In Chitipa District, the population is expected to increase from approximately 234,797 in 2018 to 333,013 by 2030. Rapid population growth is significantly affecting Malawi's ability to meet basic health, education, agriculture, and economic needs. By 2030, slower population growth from lower fertility in Chitipa could result in a reduced population density, with 3 less people per km2 than if current population growth continues. This reduction in population pressure would lead to reduced pressure on land and agriculture, a healthcare system with less human resource shortages, and more resources for children's education. In Karonga District, the population is expected to increase from approximately 246,111 in 2018 to 346,111 by 2030. Similar to Chitipa, rapid population growth is affecting Malawi's ability to meet basic needs. By 2030, slower population growth from lower fertility in Karonga could result in a reduced population density, with 3 less people per km2 than if current population growth continues. This reduction in population pressure would lead to reduced pressure on land and agriculture, a healthcare system with less human resource shortages, and more resources for children's education. The benefits of slower population growth are evident across all sectors in Malawi's districts. Investing in family planning benefits families and development across all sectors. Couples in Chitipa and Karonga want smaller families, with a desired number of children averaging 3.7 and 3.8, respectively. However, the number of children per woman is significantly higher, at 4.5 and 4.6, respectively. By investing in family planning, Malawi can reduce the number of children per woman, leading to a more sustainable and prosperous population.