Fertility timing preferences among women of reproductive age: The case of Malawi and South Africa

Even though global fertility levels are falling, the sub-Saharan African region is a relatively high fertility zone. This study examined and compared women’s preferred fertility timing in two contrasting contexts – Malawi and South Africa, using the most recent nationally representative data from the Demographic and Health Survey. A multinomial logistic regression was employed to understand the factors responsible for differentials in women’s fertility timing preference in both countries. Relationship status, parity and age at sexual debut are common predictors of fertility timing in both countries. While contraceptive use was protective against early desired fertility timing for South Africans, increased education and urban residence emerged as important predictors for Malawian women. Women in both countries have considerable differences in their desired fertility timing. There is a need for improved and targeted family planning services and programmes to increase contraceptive uptake in these countries.