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Fertility levels and trends

Global experience shows that once fertility decline is underway, it is almost irreversible. Oneil (2023) gave fertility estimates for the different continents of the world from 1950 to 2024.

Nuptiality levels and trends

Nuptiality levels and trends have changed during the 30-year intercensal period, 1992-2022, with some gender differentials being observed. Overall, the proportion married has declined by -5 percent for males, -6 percent for females during the intercensal period; however, there was an increase between 2002 and 2012. While the proportions married were about 54 percent and 59 percent for males and females, respectively in 1992, these proportions were 51 percent and 55 percent for males and females, respectively in 2022

Lifetime fertility  

Lifetime fertility, measured as the mean number of children ever born (CEB) underestimates fertility compared to current fertility measured by total fertility rate. However, lifetime fertility for women at the end of their reproductive careers, those aged 45-49, is generally used as a proxy for total fertility; this is valid for a situation where fertility is stable.  In the Zimbabwean situation, lifetime fertility should be systematically higher than total fertility rate; however, the trend must be similar if the quality of data is good.