Fertility Behaviour in a Rural Nigerian Community: Determinants and Implications

Abstract

This study was carried out in Jesse kingdom in Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria, to find out the fertility level in the area, its determinants and the implications for the people of the area. Data used in the study were collected from a representative sample of 1030 women mainly in the age group of 15-19 years. Using the multiple regression, the study examined the changes in fertility level due to variation in such factors as level of education, types of occupation, religion/culture and age at first marriage. The findings indicate high fertility levels for the study area. Early marriage, social values placed on children and child bearing, marriage pattern, low use of contraception, low level of education and labour force participation, infant and child mortality as well as political consideration were found to have influenced the fertility behavior in the study area. The socio-economic implications of high fertility in the study area are discussed. Also, the strategies for addressing the issue of high fertility in the study area are suggested.