Socio-cultural determinants of fertility among the Matengo and Mwera in Mbinga district, Tanzania

The study aimed to establish the socio-cultural determinants of fertility among Matengo and Mwera in Mbinga District and to investigate how the differences in the modes of life reflect the variations in fertility between them. The sample used was women aged 15-49 years, and men aged 18 years and above, with a sample size of 141 respondents. Data were collected through interviewing and documentary review. Tables and cross tabulation, and graphs have been used for data analysis and presentation. The analytical frameworks used have been adopted from Davis and Blake, and Bongaarts. The study demonstrates that there are differentials in fertility between Matengo and Mwera. The differences are in the average number of children ever born and the differences in the sex preferences. The study concentrated in rural areas, and the results obtained are of rural perspective. It concludes that, the most important proximate factor for the differences in fertility between them is the age at first Marriage, type of marriage, remarriage rates, and husband’s age at first marriage as they are influenced by such socio-cultural factors like parity (desired number of children), the value of children and the power relations. Finally the study recommends that there is a need to collect more information in order to expand the understanding of other fertility determinants in the district. Also it recommends the need for an in-depth study on the most effective cultural values and norms influencing the proximate fertility in the area.