An official of Ethiopia's Central Statistical Authority told the media that the current growth rate was 2.92 per cent, which meant that the country's estimated population of some 63.5 million could rise to 83.5 million by the year 2010 and double to 129.1 million in 30 years. The survey warns that such population growth would pose a serious challenge to Ethiopia, according to AFP, in providing for health services, education, jobs and housing. The agency also cited some experts as expressing fears that the population growth rate would speed-up the degradation of Ethiopia's environment. Respondents indicated that the ideal family size is one with 5.3 children, implying that many Ethiopian women still prefer large families. Nevertheless, one third of the women reported that they do not want any more children, while 36 per cent want to space their next births by at least two years.
Clients wait for family planning services.
The survey also revealed that, although 85 per cent of currently married women are aware of family planning, the contraceptive prevalence rate increased marginally from 4 per cent in 1990 to 6 per cent this year. The most preferred methods are pills and injectables, with 78 per cent of users likely to get them from the public sector. Education proved a positive influence on use.