ABSTRACT

The work studies the levels/trend and differentials of fertility among women in Nigeria. It discusses the implications of fertility, levels on the economy and social characteristics of the society. The study applies statistical methods to the analysis of fertility levels/trend and differentials among the surveyed women in Nigeria. Hence, the ultimate objective of this work will form the basis of providing a reliable statistical information to government, health agencies, international organization and non-governmental organization in implementation of intervention policies and progrrammes necessary to secure reduction of fertility levels among women in our society. The specific objectives of the work are: To examine the background characteristics of the surveyed women. ii. To examine the estimate of fertility levels/trend. iii. To examine any differentials of fertility. iv. To make any necessary recommendations based on the findings of the researched work The data used in this study is a secondary data, a summary of the 1991 Census Report. It was collected from the National Population Commission  [NPC], Umuahia. The data were specifically arranged on the basis of some background characteristic of the surveyed women. Simple statistical measures like proportion and percentages will be used to discuss the background characteristics of the women, while fertility measures such as the CBR, TFI and GFR will be used to analyse and discuss the levels/trend and differentials of fertility. Information from this researched work can guide the implementation of some programmes and policies. For example, it helps to identify groups and areas in the country that needs special attention in terms of family planning services.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGES

TITLE PAGE

CERTIFICATION ii

DEDICATION iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS v

ABSTRACT vi

LIST OF TABLES vii

CHAPTER ONE

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY 1

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM 1

1.3 RATIONALE FOR STUDY 3

1.4 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 4

1.5 SCOPE OF STUDY 4

1.6 LITERATURE REVIEW 5

1.7 METHODOLOGY 8

1.8 CHAPTER OUTLINE 10

1.9 DEFINITION OF TERMS 11

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 BACKGROUND CHARACTERISTICS OF

RESPONDENT 12

2.1 INTRODUCTION 12

2.2 CURRENT AGE 16

2.3 MARITAL STATUS 16

2.4 EDUCATIONAL STATUS 17

2.5 OCCUPATIONAL STATUS 17

2.6 PLACE OF RESIDENCE 18

2.7 REGIONAL OF RESIDENCE 19

2.8 DURATION OF RESIDENCE 19

CHAPTER THREE

3.0 LEVELS AND TRENb OF FERTILITY 20

3.1 INTRODUCTION 20

3.2 FERTILITY LEVELS 20

3.2.1 THECRUDEIRTHRATE 20

3.2.2 THE TOTAL FERTILITY RATE 22

3.2.3 THE GENERAL FERTILITY RATE 23

3.3 FERTILITY TREND 25

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 FERTILITY DIFFERENTIALS 27

4.1 INTRODUCTION 27

4.2 FERTILITY AND MARITAL STATUS 27

4.3 FERTILITY AND EDUCATION 28

4.4 FERTILITY AND OCCUPATION 30

4.5 FERTILITY AND PLACE OF RESIDENCE 31

4.6 FERTILITY AND REGION OF RESIDENCE 33

4.7 FERTILITY AM) bURATION OF RE5IbENCE 34

4.8 FERTILITY IN NIGERIA & OTHER SELECTEb

COUNTRIES IN AFRICA 35

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 SUMMARY, RECOMMENbATION & CONCLUSION 38

5.1 SUMMARY 38

5.2 RECOMMENIDATION AM) CONCLUSION 42

BIBLIOGRAPHY 44

ABSTRACT