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Total Fertility Rate (Children per Woman) in Kerala (1992-2020)


The table displays the total fertility rate (TFR) of Kerala across five different periods, measured as the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime. Here's an analysis based on the data:

Analysis:

1.    Stable Fertility Rates in the Early 1990s: From 1992-1999, the TFR remained constant at 2, which is generally considered the replacement level (where the population remains stable without growth or decline).
2.    Gradual Decline: By 2005-2006, the TFR began to decline, likely due to factors such as increased access to education (especially for women), improved healthcare, and better family planning services.
3.    Lowest Point in 2015-2016: The TFR reached its lowest at 1.6, which indicates that women were having fewer children than required for population replacement. This trend aligns with Kerala's demographic transition, characterized by low birth and death rates.
4.    Recent Increase: In 2019-2020, the TFR saw a slight uptick to 1.8. While still below replacement level, this could suggest a reversal of the declining trend or other factors such as socio-economic changes affecting fertility choices.

Conclusion:

Kerala experienced a significant reduction in fertility rates from 1992-2016, reflecting a shift toward lower birth rates as a result of socio-economic progress, especially in education, healthcare, and family planning. The slight increase in 2019-2020 may be due to temporary factors or a change in family planning preferences, though the TFR remains below replacement level, indicating a potential long-term trend of population aging or decline.