Abstract:
This study assesses the extent of teenage pregnancy in Eswatini with a focus on public
schools in the constituencies and region. In addition, the study examines which
regions are affected by teenage pregnancies and adopts a Generalised Ordered Logit
Model to determine the likelihood of teenage pregnancies across the regions in
Eswatini. The study locates the Hhohho and Manzini regions as high teenage
pregnancy areas and further identifies mothers in Lubombo and Shiselweni as more
vulnerable to repeat births. Not surprisingly, the study finds that teenage pregnancies
occur in Eswatini’s poverty-stricken areas – where there are low economic activities
and the households are experiencing low incomes. These are places such as
Madlangempisi, Ngwempisi, Sigwe, and Lomahasha. Teenage pregnancies occur
when learners are idle during school holidays. The government is advised to consider
intensifying policies and programmes geared towards reducing or eradicating teenage
pregnancies in Eswatini. Such policies should deliberately target rural areas and focus
on creating employment opportunities to relieve households from low incomes.
