Projection of Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in the Democratic Republic of Congo

In this research article, the ANN approach was applied to analyze TFR in the DR Congo. 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 DR Congo. The results of the study indicate that annual total fertility rates in DRC are likely to slightly rise over the out-of-sample period. Therefore, the authorities in DRC are encouraged to (1) focus on addressing adolescent and young adult challenges in accessing family planning services and create more demand for sexual and reproductive (SRH) services through mass media and other local platforms, and (2) engage on a women empowerment drive to increase their labor participation and contribution to economic development.