Evaluation of AID family planning programs : Kenya case study

has provided support valued at $53 million to a broad range of family planning programs in Kenya. These programs have now begun to succeed. The country's population growth rate has fallen from a high of 3.8% in 1979 to about 3.6% in 1990, the fertility rate has dropped from about 8 children per woman to about 6.5, and contraceptive use -- the most important factor in recent fertility decline -- has almost quadrupled. The programs have also helped reduce maternal and infant mortality by reducing the incidence of high-risk pregnancies and births, and have had economic benefits, in that smaller families are better able to afford to feed, clothe, shelter, and educate their children. According to this evaluation, A.I.D. played a major role in the above achievements, providing support for fertility surveys, family planning training for health workers, community-based family planning, employer-based family planning services, voluntary surgical contraception, and improved management of contraceptive logistic and of nongovernmental organizations. Of special importance have been the presence of strong A.I.D. technical staff and the willingness of A.I.D. to take on logistic and institutional development tasks. Finally, by using central as well as bilateral funding mechanisms, the A.I.D. Mission was able to tailor technical assistance directly to local needs.