Value of Children, Perceived Cost and Fertility Behavior in Mulo-Sululta District of Oromia
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Date
1999-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The study explores the relationship between the value of children and fertility behavior in Mulo-Sululta,
a district bounding Addis Ababa in the north. Using survey questionnaire, a primary data were
collected from 982 currently married couples having at least one living child in April 1998. This survey
was complemented by focus group discussions with knowledgeable local people of different
socioeconomic background in both rural and urban areas. To explore the relation between fertility desires and socioeconomic and demographic factors at
individual level, univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques were used. For this, mean,
cross-tabulations, ANOV A and MeA were employed.The bivariate analytical results show that age, number of living children, household income and
educational level has negatively correlated to number of additional children desired. Males more than
females and rural respondents more than urban were found desiring for more mean number of additional children. In addition to these, actual and expected labor assistance as well as old age security
motives were found to be important motivating factors for having more children. The multivariate
analysis also show the same result except those younger couples below the age of 25 were found
desiring fewer number of additional children than those aged 25-34.
Finally, the study concludes by suggesting some policy relevant intervention areas in relation to value of
children and fertility relationship. The need for in-depth study in the same area was also recommended.
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Keywords
Children; Perceived Cost