Development of an action plan for promoting quality childbearing to enhance population and human capital

Abstract

The research on development of an action plan for promoting quality childbearing to enhance population and human capital aims to examine data and the current situation regarding birth rates, as well as recommendations from stakeholders involved in promoting childbearing. The objective is to develop a draft action plan for promoting childbearing and to assess the opinions and participation of stakeholders in the process of drafting the action plan. A qualitative study was conducted using secondary data from in-depth interview records. The sample group consists of 7 experts from government agencies, private sectors, and academic organizations, as well as reports and audio recordings from participatory workshops with involving representatives from 45 partner organizations. Additionally, quantitative data were collected using questionnaires on opinions and participation in the drafting of the action plan from the entire sample group. The results of the study on the country’s birth situation show a continuous decline in the number of newborns. In 2022, the total fertility rate dropped to just 1.08. Key factors affecting fertility levels include marriage, the average age of childbirth, infertility, same-sex partnerships, women’s roles in the economy and family, and public attitudes toward family formation and having children. The action plan for promoting childbirth was analyzed using the SWOT method, revealing that the current strategic position of the country’s promotion of childbirth is at a strategic disadvantage, as weaknesses and threats outweigh strengths and opportunities. Therefore, to shift the strategic position to a more advantageous one, a workshop was held to draft the action plan, during which strategic issues and key measures were determined, turning obstacles into opportunities by applying the philosophy of sufficiency economy and the “Blue Ocean Strategy.” This enabled a shift from a “defensive” position, characterized by more weaknesses than strengths and more threats than opportunities, to an “offensive” position with a strategic advantage. The draft action plan consists of three key measures: 1) Adjusting the environment to support having and raising children; 2) Enhancing knowledge and changing attitudes; and 3) Providing comprehensive, high-quality care and support for those deciding to have children. Conclusion: The development of an action plan to promote quality childbearing and enhance population and human capital involved gathering secondary data and workshop reports. This data was utilized to draft an action plan comprising three key measures. The process also included monitoring, evaluating feedback, and fostering participation from partner networks. The majority of partner organizations participating in the workshops expressed agreement with the measures outlined in the action plan and demonstrated a high level of engagement in its development process. The research recommendations: 1) Establishing a national steering committee to provide directives, oversee operations, and monitor implementation processes. 2) Building collaborative networks with partner organizations at all levels, including both public and private sectors, to drive operations forward. 3) Encouraging local-level partner organizations to collaboratively plan and develop integrated projects to secure funding support from various local funding sources