Beyond Birth and Death: A Clarion Call to Action on Nepal's Demographic Transition

Abstract

By probing the available literature and models on
demographic transitions and population dividends,
this essay maps the compelling evolution of population
dynamics. Existing models and literature highlight how
socioeconomic conditions and biological factors have
shaped the realities of demographic shifts. On the one
hand, individuals and communities from different societies
strive to enhance their living standards through foreign
employment, leading to youth migration. On the other
hand, they experience alarming changes in mortality
and fertility rates, significantly altering the demographic
structure. These everyday occurrences have created a
“demographic window of opportunity” within the global
context of demographic shifts and population dividends,
compounded by the prevailing socio-cultural forces of
migration and globalization. Although this trend aligns with
global patterns, Nepal faces the daunting task of managing
both youth migration and an ageing population. Despite
their significance, these shifts and trends have been less
prominent in the discourses and dialogues initiated by
sociologists, economists, and demographers.