Abstract
ABSTRACTBackgroundThe Kanuri tribe is found in the Lake Chad basin. However, the majority of the tribe lives in Borno State, Nigeria. Before this study was undertaken, factors related to fertility decisions among the tribe were not known.ObjectivesThis study is aimed at describing and documenting the sociocultural factors affecting decisions related to fertility among the Kanuri tribe.MethodThe study applied the qualitative research method. In-depth interviews and focus-group discussions were used as data collection methods. Analysis was done manually.ResultsChildren among the Kanuri were highly valued and desired irrespective of their gender. The ideal family size, according to most of the respondents, was 16 children. Kanuri men are polygamous and can marry up to four wives in order to form large families. However, it is an abomination among Kanuri women to fall pregnant in quick succession; a phenomenon they termed konkomi. Other reasons for child-spacing were related to child welfare and maternal well-being. Methods for child-spacing included prolonged breastfeeding (Nganji yaye), ornaments in various forms and shapes, spiritual invocations and dried herbs (Nganji Yandeye). Few Kanuri women practiced modern methods of family planning.ConclusionTrends in fertility among the Kanuri tribe need to be monitored regularly and appropriate measures be taken to introduce and promote modern family planning and child health services to ensure a healthier family life.
Highlights
More than half a million women, most of them in the developing world, die each year in pregnancy or childbirth
Planning can be defined as a way of living that is adopted voluntarily upon the basis of knowledge, attitude and responsible decision-making by individuals or couples in order to pin the number, timing and spacing of the children that they want, so as to promote the health and welfare of the family group and contribute to the advancement of the society.[3]
The Kanuri tribe is found in the Lake Chad basin, occupying areas in Nigeria, Chad and Niger
Summary
More than half a million women, most of them in the developing world, die each year in pregnancy or childbirth. This amounts to one every minute.[1] Another million suffer serious, sometimes permanent pregnancy-related injuries. Much of this suffering and death could be prevented through effective family planning engendered by modern contraception. Contraceptive use protects women from the health risk of unwanted pregnancies and gives women control over their lives. Before this study was undertaken, factors related to fertility decisions among the tribe were not known
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