Fertility intentions in rural Malawi after Cyclone Idai

This article investigates the impact of Cyclone Idai on fertility intentions in rural Malawi, highlighting how extreme weather events introduce a new dimension of uncertainty to reproductive plans. The study, conducted four months after the cyclone, reveals that parents' reflections on their fertility intentions were heavily influenced by concerns about future rainfall patterns and economic recovery. The research identifies three distinct narratives among respondents: those whose fertility intentions remained undisrupted, those who planned to postpone childbearing due to economic uncertainties, and those who expressed uncertain intentions about future childbearing. The article delves into the complexities of these narratives, providing a detailed analysis of how environmental experiences shape reproductive plans. It also discusses the implications of these findings for understanding trends in fertility decline and the role of contextual uncertainty in fertility intentions. The study offers a unique perspective on how climate-related events influence long-term fertility intentions, making it a crucial read for those interested in the intersection of climate change and family planning.