Socio-Cultural Determinants of Fertility Differentials Among the Matengo and Mwera in Mbinga District

Abstract

The primary concern of this study was to establish whether or not differentials in fertility existed for both women and men among the Matengo and Mwera communities in Mbinga District. The study sought to determine the extent to which such existence was on the basis of the existing sociocultural differentials. In particular, the study aimed at meeting the following objectives: • To compare fertility levels and child preferences between the two communities for both women and men; • To establish the existing socio-cultural differences (in religion, cultural practices, traditions, etc.) between the two communities that have influence on proximate determinants (marriage patterns, types of marriage, frequency of intercourse, duration of breastfeeding and the use or non-use of contraceptives); and • To compare the influence of cultural practices on family planning methods (modern and traditional) between the two communities. As earlier hinted at, this study was carried out in Mbinga district — one of the five districts of Ruvuma Region, in southern Tanzania. The district is bordered by Songea district in the north and Mozambique to the south. At the time of this study, the major economic activities in the area were agriculture, livestock keeping, fishing and mining. The main agricultural crops were coffee, maize, beans, millet, sweet and round potatoes. Livestock included cattle, goats, pigs and chicken. The main ethnic groups in the district were Matengo, accounting for more than 60%, who were found mainly in the Matengo highlands. Their main activity was coffee farming. On the other hand, the Mwera, Manda and Mpoto were found along Lake Nyasa. Their main activity was fishing. The target population for this study included women of child-bearing age (15-49 years old) and men with 18 years and above (married and unmarried) with different demographic, socioeconomic and cultural statuses. The interviewed respondents were mainly from the rural areas in the district.