International Journal of Physical and Social Sciences
Year : 2013, Volume : 3, Issue : 10
First page : ( 399) Last page : ( 412)
Online ISSN : 2249-5894.

Investigation of the effect of education on fertility among women, in Kakamega North District, Kakamega County, Kenya

Akoth Odero Everlyne, Odongo Leo, Onsongo Francis

Department of Mathematics, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya

Online published on 21 November, 2013.

Abstract

The Republic of Kenya - Kenya Demographic Health Survey (2008–2009) report revealed that Total Fertility Rate (TFR) decreased from a high of 6.7 for women with no education to 3.1 for women with at least some secondary education. This formed the motivation for the study. The purpose of the study was to statistically determine the relationship between education of women and fertility in Kakamega North District. The study employed the sample survey method of data collection. Women of child bearing age (15–49 years old) formed the study population. The data collected was analyzed by use of Chi-Squares to test the degree of relationship between the variables of study and fertility.Poisson Regression was also used to come up with a model of how the variables of study influenced fertility in the District. The study revealed a negative correlation between education and fertility. It was evident from the analysis result that, women who had higher levels of education used contraceptives to a greater extent, they got married at advanced ages, gave birth to fewer children and breastfed their children the fewest number of times during the day. The findings are expected to be useful to policy makers in Kakamega North District when designing appropriate plan of action to encourage many women to pursue education to high levels.

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