The role of men in family planning decision-making in Ilorin West local government area of Kwara State

Ogunleye-Adetona Comfort Iyabo, University of Ilorin
Yusuf Abdulhakeem Oluwatosin, University of Ilorin

The fertility rate in Nigeria has been persistently high 5.7%, despite the family planning programme adopted in the national population policy to reduce fertile levels. Probably because the targeting females was not good enough because in some cultures like the ethnic group in Ilorin, husbands (males) decides when to have children. This study therefore examined the role of men in family planning decision making. Multiple regression revealed that effective spousal communication especially those women with some form of education contributed positively to better family planning decision making, income is the least important in affecting family planning decision making of men in the area. It is therefore suggested that Government should encourage and promote female education, empower and improve the social status of women in the society, consultation with the religion leaders and sensitized husbands about the implication of large number of children on society.