Demographic Research

Futures Group recognizes the importance of maintaining a solid understanding of target populations when working in the health sector. 

Understanding the demographics of a selected population is essential when undertaking public health initiatives, especially when developing social marketing, policy and advocacy, and awareness-raising activities. Existing demographic datasets, such as the nationally representative household Demographic and Health Surveys conducted every five years in many countries, are invaluable assets when performing secondary analyses. We often call on existing demographic datasets for our project activities, such as market segmentation analyses.

In Rwanda, Futures Group is supporting national-level public-private dialog to increase private sector participation in family planning provision. Recognizing the lack of good information on the private sector in Rwanda, the Futures Group team conducted a baseline assessment of private sector services for family planning in Rwanda. The team used the 2007 Demographic and Health Survey dataset to do a market segmentation analysis, which served as the quantitative data inputs for the baseline assessment. By discussing the results of the assessment with high-level stakeholders, the team hopes to foster innovative strategies for increasing private sector involvement in family planning.