Projection of Total Fertility Rate (TFR) In the Gambia Using an Artificial Neural Network Approach
Abstract
In this research
paper, the ANN approach was applied to analyze TFR in the Gambia. The employed
annual data covers the period 1960-2018 and the out-of-sample period ranges
over the period 2019-2030. The residuals and forecast evaluation criteria
(Error, MSE and MAE) of the applied model indicate that the model is stable in
forecasting TFR in the Gambia. The results of the study indicate that annual total fertility rates in the Gambia are likely to be between 5.2 and 5.6 births per
woman over the out-of-sample period. Therefore, the Gambian government is
encouraged to focus on addressing
barriers to accessing family planning services, increase public awareness of
sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and scale up women empowerment program
activities.
Country : Zimbabwe
1 Dr. Smartson. P. NYONI2 Tatenda. A. CHIHOHO3 Thabani NYONI
ZICHIRe Project, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
Independent Health Economist, Zimbabwe
SAGIT Innovation Center, Harare, Zimbabwe
IRJIET, Volume 5, Issue 8, August 2021 pp. 445-448
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