The Impact of Education on Total Fertility Rate in Pakistan (1981-2008)

Most of the developing countries are facing the problem of high population growth, which is causing numerous social and economic problems. The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in most of developing countries stands higher than the developed countries (UNPD, 2000). The TFR in Pakistan was 7.0 in 1989.The continuous efforts on part of government of Pakistan bought it to 3.0 in 2008. The present study aimed at finding out the impact of education on Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in Pakistan during the period 1981-2008. Econometric techniques, Multiple Regression Model and Johansen Cointegration have been used to derive results. The results show that mean age at marriage (male), the education of both sexes and the age of women are the most important factors affecting TFR. Women education can be more useful weapon to control TFR, if it is at secondary level. Female age at marriage also negatively affects TFR. In order to achieve the desired level of population growth, the government of Pakistan should focus on Primary as well as secondary education for male as well as female.