The Value of children and fertility in Kilimanjaro region: case study of Mwanga district

This study attempted to examine the influence of value of children on fertility level (micro-level) in Tanzania. The study is based on the data of 546 respondents who were interviewed in a survey which was carried out in Mwanga district, Kilimanjaro region between July and August 1993.This study was prompted by the fact that, all previous studies conducted in Tanzania were mainly centered on biological factors and socio-economic factors such as education and occupation on fertility neglecting the influence of value of children on fertility. In this study children's contribution in terms of labour, security at old age, education and status of women and residence patterns were studied to see the influence of value of children on fertility level. The findings have shown that children are still considered as cheep source of labour in Mwanga district. Given the fact that the district has a shortage of labour resulting from outmigration of the economically working population, the labour contributed by children seem to be of greater significance hence influence fertility level. In terms of security at old age, the findings show that the parents no longer consider children as their security at old age, a situation created by the economic crisis shaking developing economies. Even parents preference for boys have been stated to be mainly for the continuation of the family name and not security at old age. Furthermore, it has been observed that low status of women is a barrier in fertility limitations, that means those with higher education have fewer children ever born. Finally the impact of residence is not so significant in influencing fertility level in Mwanga district. Several policy implications and recommendations are provided by the study. These include improvement of the rural areas socially, economically culturally and technologically. Expansion of women education and employment opportunities and establishment of social security systems for the aged is necessary in order to improve the status of women and reduce child dependence. Couples should be motivated to use fertility control mechanisms and such services like condoms, pills and injectables should be made readily available to the public.