Social support practices are universal, but the effects on fertility levels differ across societies. In Nigeria, these practices have been implicated as determinants of fertility levels. Benue State has shown a continuous decline in the levels of fertility. To unearth the determinants of fertility levels in the state, this study examined the effects of social support on fertility levels.

The specific objective was to examine the effect of social support on fertility levels in Benue State, Nigeria. Related and relevant literature were reviewed based on the objectives of the study. Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) was adopted in the study. The study used cross-sectional research design, with Benue state as the study area. The population of the study was all female adults who have birthed a child (ren). The formula by Cochran was used by the researcher to determine the sample size of 1,174 respondents. Multistage sampling techniques were used in the study.

Questionnaire and Key Informant Interview (KII) guide were used. Face and content validity and test-retest type of reliability were used. The data were analysed with descriptive statistics and inferential statistical tools as well as manual content analysis. The analysis was done at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. Social support was found to have influenced fertility levels through ensuring child survival, encouraged child birth, helped in planning for next pregnancy. Others included reduced stress in child rearing, reduced workload and burden on parents, and improved child health. The list also included enhanced birth spacing and limiting, encouraged child birth, encouraged early onset of sexual intercourse and increased rate of child birth.

The study concluded that social support has influenced the level of fertility in Benue State. The study recommended among others that the practise of giving social support to women after birth should be encouraged among the people. This will help to adequately care for their infants with the assurance of survival and thus avoid the birth of too many children, with the hope of having surviving ones despite mortality.