Ethnic Differentials in Male Fertility Behaviour in Nigeria: A Multilevel Analysis

Ololade Adewole, National Centre for Technology Management, OAU, Ile-Ife. Nigeria

The level of male fertility is still high among Nigeria men and it varies with culture. Hence, this study employed a multilevel model approach to examine the influence of ethnicity differential on male fertility behaviour and identify the underlying contextual factors for the number of children born among men. The ethnic differentials in male fertility behaviour in Nigeria were investigated using a multilevel model approach of 2013 data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). The study revealed that among the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria, the Hausas have the highest number of children ever born, next, followed by the other tribes, and then, followed by the Yorubas and lastly the Igbos. Ethnicity significantly influenced male fertility behaviour in Nigeria (p<0.05). Findings of this study thus established ethnic background as important factors that must be taken into consideration in the efforts to reduce the fertility level in Nigeria.