Economic Empowerment of Women and Fertility Behaviour in Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the role of women’s economic empowerment on fertility behaviour using Ogbia Local Government Area in Bayelsa State as a case study. The study sought to know how different women’s economic empowerment indicators can affect different fertility behaviour. The Quality-Quantity theory and Feminist patriarchal theory served as the theoretical framework for the study. The sample selected for the study was made up of 394 women of child bearing age respondents. Data collected for the study were analysed using both descriptive statistics (percentages, mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Spearman Rank Correlation Coefficient). Findings from the study revealed that women who are empowered economically, are more likely to have positive fertility behaviour. Based on the findings, recommendations such as; encouraging men to embrace the concept of women empowerment, government setting up small scale businesses for women to aid their empowerment etc.

Keywords: Women’s Economic Empowerment, Fertility Behaviour, Quality-Quantity theory, Feminist Patriarchal theory, Ogbia LGA