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Wake-up Call: Alarming Population Growth and Structure

The recent population projection report serves as a wake-up call for us as we are at risk of losing the population dividend and balance. The fertility rate in Bagmati Province is approximately 1.3, meaning a couple has only one child, while in the Madhesh Province, it is 2.75, indicating about three children per couple.
The overall average fertility rate in Nepal is around 1.9, which is less than 2. Population balance theory suggests that ten couples should have at least 21 children, but currently, we are only seeing 19.


There are several reasons behind this trend, and I will highlight a few significant and relevant causes:

1. Nepalese working in the Middle East in hot desert conditions are significantly decreasing fertility rates both biologically and socially.

2. Delayed marriage is contributing to a decline in fertility rates.

3. The preference for having only one child is leading to couples being indifferent to having more children. It is particularly concerning when the first child is a boy, as there is almost zero possibility of having a second child, which disrupts population balance.

4. Smoking among young boys is increasing low sperm count and impotency significantly.

5. Smoking among girls is leading to miscarriages and lower quality of eggs, making it difficult to conceive.

6. Unsafe sexual practices and haphazard use of emergency contraceptives among young girls are decreasing fertility rates.

7. Engaging in multiple sexual partners and early sexual experiences are contributing to immature age-related fertility issues.

8. Modern lifestyles, nuclear families, and busy work schedules are reducing the inclination of couples to have children.

9. Family and personal conflicts are increasing divorce rates.

10. High living costs, lack of social security, and inadequate physical and social infrastructure are driving immigration and settlement abroad, further impacting population dynamics.


There are other contributing factors as well. It is crucial for us to reflect on these issues and take action to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. Let us work towards making positive changes to address these challenges and improve the current state of affairs.
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