FERTILITY AND FAMILY PLANNING IN ZARIA CITY AND ENVIRONS
FERTILITY AND FAMILY PLANNING IN ZARIA CITY AND ENVIRONS
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Date
1998-08
Authors
JAMES, GODSWILL U.
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Abstract
viii
ABSTRACT
This study investigates, through empirical research,
the on-going debate on the alleged increased
contraceptive use and lower fertility in sub-Saharan
Africa in relation to the Northern part of Nigeria. The
interest in the topic was kindled by the fact that most
studies in fertility and family planning in Nigeria have
been carried out in the southern part of the country to
the neglect of the North. Moreover, almost all of these
Studies have consistently made no attempt to compare the
fertility outcomes of contraceptive users and nonusers so
as to assess the extent of the impact of family planning
programmes on fertility.
A review of the existing literature reveals positive
relationship between family planning programmes and
fertility reduction especially in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. The
literature also shows that persuasive socio-cultural
treasons still account for people's desirefor children in
African countries, and the interplay of these sociocultural
variables with family planning programmes result
in fertility reduction or otherwise.
The study population consists of mothers between the
ages of 15 and 49 years who reside in Zaria and environs.
Samples were drawn on the basis of quota sampling
technique from the family planning clinics and maternal
and child health care units of selected
health institutions in Zaria. Data were collected by
ix
moans of questionnaire which was used as interview
schedule.
From the data collected and analysed, it is found
that contraceptive users have lower average fertility
than non-users. Fertility varies substantially by age at
first marriage, ethnicity, religion, education and
occupation. However, the desired and achieved fertility
arc high in the sample. Contraceptive use varies with
education, religion and achieved parity, and the most
widely used method of contraception are the less
permanent and reversible, particularly the condom,
injectable, IUD and the natural methods. The major factor
for non-use of contraceptives is found to be related to
the perceived health risks associated with them, rather
than ignorance or non-availability of contraceptives.
Based on these and other findings, it is advocated
that family planning programmes which integrate with
reproductive health care services and also sustainable
economic and social development projects that benefit the
individual woman and her family should be vigorously
pursued in Nigeria. This advocacy is based on the
understanding that no family planning programme can be
effective" without giving simultaneous attention to
women's poverty, illiteracy and powerlessness which
create the demand for a large number of children.
Description
Department of Sociology
Faculty of Social Science
Ahumadu Bello University
Zaria.
Keywords
FERTILITY,, FAMILY,, PLANNING,, ZARIA,, CITY,, ENVIRONS.