A reassessment of the effects of female education and employment on fertility in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper reassesses the nexus between female education, employment and fertility in Nigeria. The four Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) that have been conducted in the country (1990)(1991)(1992)(1993)(1994)(1995)(1996)(1997)(1998)(1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008) were analysed. Between 1990 and 2008, the educational status of women improved appreciably and the proportion of illiterate women in the country declined from 57.2 to 35.8 per cent. Multivariate analysis suggests that female education was inversely related to the indicators of fertility (P<0.01). The association between working away from home and fertility indicators was negative in the pooled data (P<0.01), but this association was mixed in separate surveys. Self-employment manifested a positive relationship with the indicators of fertility (P<0.01). Female education remains a valid channel through which a sustainable fertility decline can be achieved in the country. A vigorous drive to promote female education in all parts of the country is recommended. Girl child education in the north should be stressed.

Consistency of the Effects of Female Education on Fertility Across the North–south Demographic Divide in Nigeria, 2003–2013

“…However, those with just primary education had a higher risk of first child birth relative to those who did not have any education (Gayawan & Adebayo, 2013). Other earlier studies in various parts of sub-Saharan Africa, and in particular in Nigeria, have observed that female education at the secondary or post-secondary levels inversely predicted fertility (Isiugo-Abanihe et al, 1993;Bongaarts, 2010;Isiugo-Abanihe, 2010;Wusu, 2012;Kara & Maharaj, 2015). Data were extracted for females aged 40-49.…”

“…It may imply that the impact of female education has to do with its prevalence; when this is higher it tends to have a more significant influence on fertility than when it is limited. Indeed, female education (both in coverage and level of attainment) was quite limited in 2013 in northern Nigeria compared with the south (Wusu, 2012;National Population Commission [Nigeria] & ICF International, 2014). However, the study analysis indicated mixed results in the comparative effects of no schooling and primary education.…”

Maternal Employment and Child Survival During the Era of Sustainable Development Goals: Insights from Proportional Hazards Modelling of Nigeria Birth History Data

“…Effects of women employment on fertility is relatively better documented in the literature [678]. Though evidence on the relationship between women employment and fertility could be argued to be mixed depending on the study setting, the predominant finding is that female labour force participation is associated with lower fertility [7].…”

“…The mechanism behind the relationship between maternal employment and child survival is similar to that of fertility. Inability of working mothers to devote time to child care is a plausible explanation [78]. If a woman is employed in a job that is compatible with childcare responsibilities, then the relationship would not be negative.…”

An Empirical Analysis of the Effect of Education on Birth Rate Based on Chinese Provincial Panel Data

“…Some scholars who support Becker (Wusu, Shapiro) [2,3] have proved through empirical evidence that the promotion in women's education will increase the opportunity cost of raising children, and this is the main reason for the decline in fertility. Freedman also pointed out that women with higher social status and education level will make it easier to take measures to restrain fertility when they participate in social activities.…”