Facts:

• 45 % of population are young dependents, 2% elderly dependents
• Dependency ratio of 92/100

Reasons for high dependency:

• Cultural tradition to have many children
• Children viewed as economic assets
  → Help with crops and farm animals
  → 1/3 of children aged 10-14 are working
• High infant mortality rate of 33/1000 – Have more children to ensure enough survive

Problems of high dependency:

• Overcrowding in houses – Lack of sanitation → Risk of disease
• High unemployment and underemployment, low wages – Cannot afford electricity, clean water
• Deforestation for firewood – Increasing desertification

Solving the problem of high dependency:

• Government introduced family planning campaign which was accepted by Muslim religious leaders
• Working with NGOs to deliver contraceptives to rural areas
• Education about birth control methods

Last updated: Feb 2025