Abstract:
High fertility is among the dominant demographic features of the developing
countries including those in Sub - Saharan Africa despite measures to control it.
The average Total Fertility Rate for the period between 1975 and 1980 was 7.0 and
5.5 between 2000 and 2007. Tanzania has high TFR although there are signs of
fertility decline from 7.0 to 5.4 in the years 1970 and 2007 respectively. The main
objective of the study is to determine the influence of socio-cultural factors on
fertility. Specifically the study estimates the mean number of children ever born per
woman, shows how sex preference affects fertility, shows how value of children
affects fertility, associates fertility levels and status of women and shows linkage
between fertility levels and religiosity. This cross sectional study uses quantitative
data collected from a randomly selected sample of 110 women aged 15-49 years
and four group discussions within the same age range. The key findings indicate
that there is a positive relationship between socio-cultural determinants and fertility
in Morogoro District. The TFR in the area of study is 6.1 which is higher than the
regional and national fertility. The mean number of children ever born in the area of
study is 8.0. Sex preference within the area of study is strongly related to fertility.
Value of children has positive effects on number of children. Highly religion
affiliated respondents have high number of children. Status of women has positive
effects on number of children. Low status women have higher number of children.
The study argues for family planning program for men and women. Men should be
given explanations on advantages of discussing with their wives/partners on
reproductive matters. To the women focused in this study, women should stand
firm in decision making particularly on reproductive matters.
