Fertility differentials between migrants and non–migrants in the North West Province

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the fertility differentials between migrants and non-migrants in the North West province of South Africa. Evaluation of fertility behavior of migrants at the destination area and the causes of fertility differentials of migrants and non-migrants was also undertaken. Data used in · this study were obtained from the 1996 Census and the 1998 South African Demographic and Health Survey. It was found that migrant behavior at the destination areas tends to be influenced by the new environment, which motivated them to, adapt to the norms and values that would affect their fertility. Although South Africa has a lower fertility rate than to the rest of Sub Saharan Africa, It appeared that fertility differentials have existed between migrants and non-migrants. Fertility was higher among migrants than non-migrants and the difference between the two population groups has declined between 1996 and 1998. However fertility differentials were vividly observed with respect to Education, income age and employment status among both migrants and non-migrants in 1996 and income and age at first intercourse among both migrants and non-migrants in 1998. The study concludes by recommending that further research be done particularly on the issue of ethnicity and its impact on fertility since there is no concrete evidence to suggest that there is any marked link between migrants and non-migrants. Also, this kind of research should be done in other provinces to establish the state of migrant and non-migrant fertility and any variations among different socio-economic and demographic groups of Household society. Furthermore, Education should be universalized as a powerful tool to regulate fertility as it has shown to affect fertility, particularly in areas where fertility is still relatively high among both migrants and non-migrants.