Supply and demand factors in the fertility decline in Matlab, Bangladesh in 1977-1999

A model family planning programme started as a component of a reproductive and child health project in part of Matlab (the Intervention area), a rural area of Bangladesh, in 1977 while another part of Matlab served as a comparison area. The paper analyses data from a vital registration system, censuses and sample surveys, and uses both cross-sectional and longitudinal techniques of analysis. The supply factor alone, i. e., the model family planning programme, contributes substantially to the observed decline in fertility in the Intervention area. Of the several demand factors (indicators of socio-economic status) studied, women's education has the largest impact on the fertility decline. A very important role in the fertility decline is played by changes in attitudes towards feasibility and acceptability of birth control. The overall conclusion is that not only the supply factor, but also demand factors contribute to the fertility decline observed in the Intervention area. Due to limitations in study design and data, we cannot provide a precise, quantitative answer to the question on the specific contributions of both types of factors.