Recorded presentation

Jason Bremner, MPH and Richard, E. Bilsborrow, PhD. Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina, CB#8120, University Square, 123 West Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, 919-966-3160, jbremner@unc.edu

Demographic studies of Native Amazonian societies from past decades do not capture current patterns of land circumscription, market integration, and resource depletion across the Amazon. The region as a whole and native societies in particular are experiencing rapid cultural and ecological change, making demographic investigations important for understanding current trends. This paper presents the first results from an NIH funded research project focused on five indigenous groups of the Western Amazon. The analysis addresses three principle topics including fertility, desire for more children, and knowledge and use of contraception. The analysis is based on a household survey that was conducted in 2001 with more than 500 indigenous families. Using descriptive analysis and multivariate logistic regression models this paper explores inter-ethnic group differences in fertility that may be associated with differences in access to services and integration to market economies. The paper will attempt to describe current trends, identify the determinants of fertility, and suggest the implications for future development policy.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of this presentation participants will be able to recognize current fertility trends among the indigenous populations of the Ecuadorian Amazon, identify determinants of fertility, and identify future directions for population environment programs with this important population.

Keywords: Population, Environment

Related Web page: www.cpc.unc.edu/projects/ecuador/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation