This paper applies the original and the extended version of Bongaarts' models of the proximate determinants of fertility as a means of pulling together three of the proximate determinants (marriage, contraception and breast-feeding). The Demographic and Health Surveys data are used to investigate the changes within and between the countries in order to determine the extent of fertility change and the fertility-inhibiting factor(s) most responsible for the change. The results show that fertility has been declining in Botswana and Zimbabwe and has just begun to decline in Zambia. Although currently breastfeeding is the major factor for the depressed fertility in all countries, the effect of modern contraception appears to be the major factor behind the fertility decline. There is also evidence to suggest that delayed marriage is assuming a significant role in the fertility transition, particularly in Botswana

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