Socioeconomic Dynamism and the Growth of Baby Factories in Nigeria

Abstract

Illegally breeding babies for marketing purposes otherwise known as "infant commodification" is increasing in Nigeria. This menace is a vice that threatens the lives and wellbeing of babies, young girls, and women. This article investigates through an in-depth review of scholarly publication and media coverages the factors that have contributed to the emergence and growth of the illicit industry in Nigeria. It examines the role of cultural beliefs, social attitudes, and norms as well as the harsh economic conditions of the nation as factors playing pivotal roles in the continual growth of baby farming in Nigeria. Some of these sociocultural factors are social stigmatization of pregnancy outside wedlock, stigmatization of adopted children, and the importance attached to fertility and the demonization of childlessness. The article draws on Emile Durkheim anomie theory and Chambers dimensions of poverty to explain how breakdown within the nation's socioeconomic structure has a concomitant impact in breading social vices. It concludes by recommending that there is a need to jettison stigmatizing sociocultural beliefs within the nation's social fabrics. Responsive attitude toward family reproductive issues should be encouraged and finally the activities of health care providers, operators of nongovernmental organizations taking custody of babies and young girls be properly monitored. As well, stringent punishment be meted out to apprehended operators of these baby farms to serve as deterrent to others.

Perceptions of Surrogacy Within the Socio-Cultural Context of Nigeria

“…Nigeria is not a homogeneous country as presented in the title of this investigation. The country has over two hundred and fifty (250) ethnic nationalities domiciled within its borders 1 . This diversity transcends religion, culture and socio-political inclinations.…”

“…As the percentage of infertility remains high in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa (32%), the pressure on couples to procreate and find solutions to their stigmatised status becomes extremely complex. Infertility across most parts of Africa has not been well researched as a vital part of sexual reproductive health, yet its impact can be highly consequential 1 . Having biological children is highly desirable and the inability to conceive is often demonised, socially stigmatised, and often leads to divorce or results in adverse psychological and health effects on the partners involved 2 .…”

Perceptions of Surrogacy Within the Yoruba Socio-Cultural Context of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

“…Infertility across most parts of Africa has not been well researched as a vital part of sexual reproductive health, yet its impact can be highly consequential 1 . Having biological children is highly desirable and the inability to conceive is often demonised, socially stigmatised, could lead to divorce or results in adverse psychological and health effects on the partners involved 2 . It is also important to understand the gender narratives around infertility in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa; while men and women can both be potentially infertile, women are often blamed and punished for childlessness 3 , 4 .…”

“…This dichotomy in the aetiology of sickness in general and infertility, in particular across Africa, is foundational for the various socio-cultural narratives surrounding reproduction processes in Nigeria. There are various socio-cultural beliefs policing fertility in Nigeria and these beliefs are of grave concern due to the perception of and attitude towards infertility 2 . The cultural environment is paternalistic and as such, children are highly desired, and parenthood is culturally mandatory 2 .…”

“…There are various socio-cultural beliefs policing fertility in Nigeria and these beliefs are of grave concern due to the perception of and attitude towards infertility 2 . The cultural environment is paternalistic and as such, children are highly desired, and parenthood is culturally mandatory 2 . Any standard below this paternalistic cultural expectation is regarded as cultural deviation and often stigmatised 2 .…”