A COUPLE ANALYSIS OF MICROLEVEL SUPPLY DEMAND FACTORS IN FERTILITY REGULATION

Demographic research in developing countries has traditionally neglect ed the role of male input into reproductive decision making. This has contributed significantly to the general inability to resolve the fert ility problem in sub-Saharan Africa. The principal aim of this study i s to apply a joint- or couple-model to the analysis of one such popula tion problem in order to illustrate the potential avenues that emerge when the input of male spouses is considered. The 1988 Ghana Demograph ic and Health Survey is used to examine the need for supply- and deman d-side policy in achieving fertility declines. The data indicate that, although there is some evidence of the benefit of family planning pro grams, it appears that there is much room for further success. Also, t here is a strong indication that the demand side of the fertility equa tion must be addressed more, by tackling the issue of individual motiv ations, particularly of males, for childbearing.