High Fertility Rates Among Married Couples in Uwessan Communities of Edo State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The study examined the problem of high fertility among couples in rural Nigeria using Uwessan communities of Edo State, Nigeria as a reference. The methodology adopted during the field work was structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Interviews were held with couples with at least four children. Findings show that fertility level in the study area is very high due to some socio-economic and cultural factors such as religious belief, cultural background of couples, decision making about the desired family size, occupation, education and age at marriage.


The paper makes a case that high fertility rates in the rural areas will increase poverty and impede national development. While acknowledging efforts made by government to control high fertility, it recommends that for effective population control, there is need for grass root education and mass enlightenment especially in the rural areas.


IFE Psychologia Vol.12(2) 2004: 188-212