Benue State University, Makurdi

THE INCIDENCE OF MARRIAGE AND FERTILITY TRANSITION IN GUMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BENUE STATE

Kwaghga Aondoaseer Lawrence, Shimakaa Iorlumun Andrew
(Department of Psychology, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria +2347062663826, uchoaondoaver@yahoo.com)

Abstract

This study examined the incidence of marriage and fertility transition in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State. Simple random sampling technique was employed to select four hundred (400) respondents (224 males and 176 females) using Taro Yamane formula of sample size determination. Data for the study was elicited from semi structured questionnaire and key informant interviews. Triangulation was used in the course of analyzing the data. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution table, and inferential statistics using Chi Square. Analysis of qualitative data was done using thematic approach and direct quotation of responses. The study found a high prevalence rate of marriage in all its ramifications with a high attitudinal support towards it by the people. This was associated with the high birthrate and high fertility within the study area. This scenario has delayed the onset of fertility transition in the area making it a pre-transition society in the fertility transition process. The study concluded that, the high prevalence of marriage and the culture-bond attitude of the people has resulted to high fertility, thus, hindering the onset of fertility transition. It recommended for culture based mechanisms such as mechanized farming, increased access to quality education, upgrading of local markets, girl-child education and mobilization and sensitization of the people using community based institutions. Most importantly, it called for a gradual check on the trend by first establishing social and institutional mechanisms (social welfare schemes, old age security, mechanized farming, quality accessible and affordable education) which will help to effectively checkmate high fertility and result to expected fertility decline (fertility transition).

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