Population Decline
From the deserted schools of Seoul to the vibrant communities of Kenya, this project explores the complex forces shaping birthrates—uncovering how culture, faith, economics, and tradition influence the future of families and nations.
Published on Afrovo Studios’ YouTube channel.
At the Crossroads of Tradition and Change
South Korea stands at a demographic crossroads. With a fertility rate of just 0.75 births per woman in 2024—the lowest in the world—the country faces a shrinking population, an aging society, and mounting economic and social challenges. The reasons are layered: long work hours, high costs of living, intense competition, shifting gender roles, and evolving attitudes toward marriage and family all play a part. Religion and tradition, too, have shaped choices, with changing beliefs and modern pressures contributing to the decline.
In contrast, Kenya and much of sub-Saharan Africa remain above the population replacement rate, with Kenya’s fertility rate at 3.2 births per woman in 2024. Here, cultural beliefs, religious values, and community traditions continue to encourage larger families, even as urbanization, education, and economic realities slowly shift the landscape. The region faces its own challenges, from youth unemployment to rapid urban growth, but the story is one of a demographic dividend—where a growing, youthful population could drive progress if opportunities keep pace.
Through hundreds of interviews with families and individuals in both South Korea and Kenya, this documentary journeys into living rooms, places of worship, and workplaces to ask: What shapes our decisions about family? How do faith, tradition, financial stability, and hope for the future influence the most personal of choices? And what does the future hold for societies on opposite sides of the population curve?
The project is currently in post-production, with a full feature documentary on the horizon. It’s a story of contrasts and connections—of what we share, and what makes each community unique.
