Fertility Differentials in Western Province of Kenya by Division

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to find out factors that have contributed to persistently high fertility in Western province. The study was based on the 1989 census results. The study also looked at fertility in relation to socio-economic, Cultural and demographic factors. Fertility differentials by the afore mentioned factors was examined at provincial, district and divisional levels. The method of data analysis was Coale and Trussel P/F ratio technique was applied to estimate fertility levels in this study. The study's finding revealed that the level of fertility in the province is on the decline. This is when compared to 1979 census results. The estimation of total fertility rate by divisions revealed that rates ranged between six and seven children per woman. At district and divisional level, the rates depicted a uniform pattern albeit slight differences. The findings also revealed that women with secondary level of education registered lower fertility compared to those with primary level,and those with no education level. However ,women with no education registered high fertility rates than those with primary level of education. The study also found out that women who use treated,clean water (piped) registered low rates of fertility. Employed women (wage earners) had lower rates than unemployed and non wage earners. The reason could be that the employed women are able to purchase birth control devices. According to the findings, women residing in urban centres recorded lower fertility rates than those in rural areas. This is because they benefited from urban based facilities which are inadequate in rural areas. The women in monogamous unions recorded higher fertility rates than those in polygymous unions although the difference was minimal. The reason attributed to this could be due to the sleeping arrangements associated with both unions. While in a monogamous union the husband is constantly with his one wife, therefore higher chance to conceive, in polygymous union, he has more than one wife. On ethnicity, the three main communities in the province namely the Luhya, the Teso and the Kalenjin registered almost the same fertility rates. This could be attributed to shared beliefs and customs that are related to reproduction. The slight differences could be as a result of distinct behaviours of each particular group. Married women registered higher fertility rates than the single, separated, divorced and widowered categories. The study recommends that both physical and social infrastructure to be distributed equally in both rural and urban areas so as to reduce the gap between the two regions. Amenities such as schools, hospitals, piped water, e.t.c., if properly distributed would have an impact on fertility levels in the province. Employment and education opportunities should be made more available for both males and females as they are likely to have great influence on fertility levels.