Life Style EntertainmentSociety Opinion

Seychelles Records Sharp Decline in Fertility Rate—Experts Warn of Long-Term Implications

Seychelles has recorded a striking decline in fertility, with the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) falling to just 1.7 children per woman in 2024, according to the latest bulletin from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This marks a notable drop from 2.0 in 2023 and places the nation well below the replacement level of 2.1, the threshold typically required for a population to sustain itself without migration.

Among Seychellois women, the TFR has fallen even more sharply—from 2.2 to 1.85—reflecting a trend that demographers say could have far-reaching effects on the country’s labour force, economic vitality, and demographic structure.

A TFR of 1.7 means that, on average, a woman is expected to have fewer than two children over her lifetime, assuming current age-specific fertility rates persist. Such figures are more commonly seen in high-income nations and are often linked to rising education levels, delayed childbearing, access to contraception, and the increasing participation of women in the workforce.

This demographic shift aligns Seychelles with regional and global trends. In Mauritius, the TFR has remained below replacement level for over two decades, currently standing at around 1.4. In the Maldives, it hovers near 1.9, reflecting similar socioeconomic dynamics.

Meanwhile, Comoros and Madagascar continue to show higher fertility rates, though they too are on a downward trajectory. Comoros’ TFR dropped from over 6.0 in the 1980s to approximately 3.7 as of 2022, while Madagascar’s national rate was around 4.0 in 2023—with considerable urban-rural disparities. In Antananarivo, for example, fertility is much lower due to improved access to healthcare and education, unlike in rural areas where access remains limited.

While some view falling fertility as a sign of social progress, it also raises important policy questions. With fewer births, Seychelles faces a potential future of population ageing, shrinking workforce participation, and increased pressure on pension and healthcare systems.

Experts suggest that addressing these challenges will require a multifaceted approach—including family-friendly workplace policies, improved childcare support, and broader public awareness campaigns on the long-term implications of demographic change.

Chief Creator

Creator-in-Chief of The Seychelles Times

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button