The desire for children in tropical Africa: the influence of relatives on fertility decisions in Ankole; Uganda

ABSTRACT

In a survey in Ankole (Uganda) in 1985; 1664 women in samples of the three socioeconomic groups (pastoralists; cultivators and mixed farmers) were asked questions on their reproductive history; and 1029 men questions on educational and wedding costs and their expectations of help from relatives and obligations to help relatives. It is shown that the extended family system allows a great deal of mutual support; while the power of the elders allows them to influence younger married relatives to follow the pronatalist traditions of the society