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Reproductive Governance in a Fragile and Population-Dense Context: Family Planning Policies, Discourses, and Practices in Burundi

Author

Listed:
  • Joëlle Schwarz

    (Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute
    University of Basel
    Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne)

  • René Manirakiza

    (Université du Burundi)

  • Sonja Merten

    (Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute
    University of Basel)

Abstract

This article describes the reproductive governance deployed in Burundi, which promotes fertility control through uptake of modern contraceptives as a solution to the economic hardship and land pressure of individuals and communities. Using a qualitative approach, we explore how women and couples in rural Burundi set their preferences, choices and practices of family planning, and how they relate with the government discourse. We describe how reproductive practices are complex and modulated by social and material factors and power dynamics. We argue that the current hegemonic discourse—largely supported by external donors—adopts a depoliticised and technocratic approach to family planning that aligns with neoliberal development frameworks, leaving existing power dynamics and resources distribution issues unexamined and unaddressed. By situating reproductive navigation in context, we show how medicalisation of reproduction is not fully enacted, and partly resisted by women and other actors.

Suggested Citation

  • Joëlle Schwarz & René Manirakiza & Sonja Merten, 2022. "Reproductive Governance in a Fragile and Population-Dense Context: Family Planning Policies, Discourses, and Practices in Burundi," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 34(6), pages 2666-2687, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:34:y:2022:i:6:d:10.1057_s41287-021-00482-1
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-021-00482-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Daniel Bendix & Susanne Schultz, 2018. "The Political Economy of Family Planning: Population Dynamics and Contraceptive Markets," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 49(2), pages 259-285, March.
    2. Hardon, Anita, 2006. "Contesting contraceptive innovation--Reinventing the script," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 62(3), pages 614-627, February.
    3. Lidewyde Berckmoes & Ben White, 2014. "Youth, Farming and Precarity in Rural Burundi," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 26(2), pages 190-203, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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