Has Fertility Trends Changed in Nigeria Since 1999?

Abstract

There is a growing awareness of the increasing cost of rearing children globally. This awareness has led to a reduction in fertility and a preference for smaller family sizes. This is however not the case in Nigeria because the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) remains high (well over 5 per cent). This study aimed at exploring the changing fertility trends among women in Nigeria. Specifically, it examined trends in total fertility rates, contraceptive use and knowledge of the fertile period. The study utilized secondary data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) (1999 - 2014). Survey design was used to draw a nationally representative sample that was used to elicit information on these variables. This involved a multi staged sampling technique. The population was clustered into the thirty-six states and six geopolitical zones, two states from each zone were selected using simple random sampling. The immunization numbering of households was utilized to select the household heads that participated in the study. Results indicated that there is only a marginal change (decline) in fertility trend from 6.o percent in 1999 to 5.5 percent in 2014. The trend in contraceptive use is changing very slowly -use of any method changed from 6 percent in 1999 to 15 percent in 2014 Knowledge of the fertile period is low. The study indicates a one-sided improvement in health-related services in Nigeria hence there is an urgent need to provide balanced services. That is providing information, services as well as access and utilization.