Carte blanche
Demographics and birth control

Demographers, statisticians and sociologists have been alarmed for some time by the demographic explosion in Africa. Families with six to nine children are the norm. The resources produced by the workforce or provided by the government are not enough to meet the needs of the population.

These reflections are based on Africa's historical demography and projections made until 2050. In 1900, Africa's population was 100 million; in 1960 it rose to 275 million and by 1990 it had already reached 640 million. Today, 1.4 billion people live on the African continent and by 2050 the number could well be 2.5 billion.

This is cause for concern, not just for the western world but also for some African governments. In Benin, the issue was on the agenda of a Council of Ministers meeting on 3 May 2023, and a national conference on population growth and development was held in September. Discussions took place based on projections for all social and economic sectors.

The crucial question in addressing this phenomenon is undoubtedly the birth rate and how it can be regulated. A survey conducted by a journalist at the state broadcasting corporation revealed that people were generally averse to strict family planning measures.

People in Benin consider the decision to restrict the number of children per family to two or three to be a private matter; they also feel that the country is not so densely populated as to require a reduction in population.

In Benin’s traditional culture, the "child is king" concept which is popular in other countries doesn’t hold sway. Children in Benin are primarily considered helping hands who must contribute to the well-being of the family. This is also the reason that polygamy is so widespread. After all, it ensures a lot of helping hands.

Apart from this societal model, women are still expected to be mothers only. Being a mother of several children enhances a woman’s status and bestows a privileged position in society. Having six or seven children is a source of undeniable wealth and ensures that the family legacy will be passed on.

But this is 2023. The transition to a modern society with a new gender paradigm is in progress, although it is the rural women – larger in number and often poorer – who must take her own decisions about childbearing and ultimately about Benin’s demography. Given the centuries-old patriarchy, women are not yet aware of this, nor do they have the power to exercise such a decision.