Botswana’s 2022 Population and Housing Census has revealed significant demographic trends, highlighting shifts in fertility, mortality, and household energy use. The report, compiled by Statistics Botswana, provides crucial insights into the country’s changing population dynamics, offering data essential for policy planning and socio-economic development.
The census findings indicate that Botswana’s total fertility rate (TFR) has remained relatively stable at 2.9 children per woman, reversing a long-term decline observed since the 1980s. While fertility had dropped from 6.5 children per woman in 1981 to 2.8 in 2011, the slight increase in 2022 suggests emerging factors influencing reproductive trends. Fertility rates varied significantly based on location, employment status, and education levels, with urban women, employed individuals, and those with tertiary education having fewer children compared to their rural and less-educated counterparts. The report found that urban women had a TFR of 2.4, compared to 3.5 in rural areas.
A concerning trend identified in the census is the rise in adolescent fertility. The birth rate among 15–19-year-olds increased from 37.5 births per 1,000 women in 2011 to 43.4 in 2022, highlighting the need for enhanced reproductive health services, school-based sexual education, and policies discouraging early childbearing. The government has been urged to reinforce laws and expand access to family planning services to curb adolescent pregnancies.
Mortality trends show that life expectancy at birth has slightly improved, reaching 69 years in 2022, up from 68 years in 2011. However, infant mortality rates have worsened, increasing from 17 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2011 to 27.9 in 2022. Similarly, under-five mortality rose from 28 per 1,000 live births to 32.4. The report attributes these increases to gaps in maternal and child healthcare, underscoring the need for strengthened health interventions.
On household energy use, the census highlighted an increase in the adoption of green energy solutions. The use of electricity for lighting has risen to 74% of households, while reliance on firewood for cooking has declined. However, many rural households still depend on traditional energy sources, pointing to a need for further investment in sustainable energy infrastructure.
