Interrogating the Socio Cultural Factors and the Demand for Children in Benue State of Nigeria

Idu Ogbe Ode, Benue State University, Makurdi

The fertility transition theory in Nigeria has experienced undulating scenario. The persisting high fertility in the country is however a matter of concern to policy planners. There is however, a disparity across geopolitical regions of the country in prevalent rate. In Benue State, fertility differential amongst the three major ethnic groups is observed which is attributable to varying socio cultural norms in the state. There is a high premium placed on children. Using existing theoretical review of T.R Malthus, on moral restrain and preventive checks, this study therefore, examine the socio cultural norms sustaining a high population in the state. The poverty level in the state is disturbingly high, yet population growth is escalating. Apart from abysmally high unemployment in the state, there is fallen income level, armed banditry, kidnapping, food insecurity yet there is high demand for children. How to avert this population time bomb should be a matter of investigation.