The Changing Trends Of Marriage And Fertility Among The People Of Larteh In The Eastern Region Of Ghana

Abstract

Marriage and fertility in the African setting has assumed changes over the years. These changes have the ability to affect the African society. This study therefore aimed at exploring the changing trends in marriage and fertility in Larteh in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The study was guided by the following research objectives: examine the relationship between marriage-fertility dyad among the people of Larteh; explore the fertility trends among households in Larteh in the last decade; and examine the effects of changing trend on marital fertility among the people of Larteh. Using qualitative research method, the study used the interview guide to collect data from participants who were selected through the purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The study found that marriage has a significant impact on fertility, with married couples having higher fertility rates compared to unmarried individuals. The study revealed that socio-cultural, and economic factors reinforce the importance of marriage in the reproductive behaviour of Larteh’s population. The study also showed trends of changes in the number of children per household, shifts in the age at which people have children and changes in birth rates. The study further found that delayed marriages, use of contraception and changes in economic conditions have led to a decline in fertility rates within marriages. These changes are leading to smaller family sizes, later childbearing ages, or other demographic shifts within married couples. The study concludes that marriage remains a significant determinant of fertility among the people of Larteh, but that fertility patterns have evolved over the past decade due to various social, economic and health-related factors. These changes have influenced marital fertility, potentially leading to new behaviours regarding family size and reproductive timing within marriages.