Family Planning And Problem Of Population Control (A Case Study Of Oredo Local Government Area In Edo State)

Project and Seminar Material for Sociology

Abstract

The purpose of this research work was to identify or found out the problems facing family planning and population control in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State and also to provide laudable solutions to these problems. Some literatures were consulted and reviewed. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire methods, using 200 respondents. The data was analyzed using percentage method, it was found among others that family planning had an effect on population control and that workers are effective in educating parents on the importance of family planning etc. consequently, the following recommendations were made such as couples are encouraged to go for family planning as a way of controlling birth population. An enlightenment campaign should be carried out to sensitize parents on the importance of family planning.

Chapter One

Introduction

1.1 Background to the Study

According to Nelson (2001), he sees family planning as a system of limiting family size and the frequency of child bearing by the appropriate use of contraceptive techniques. On the issue of health, Lawrence, (2006) on his own sees family planning as a health service that keeps couples decide whether to have children and if so, when and how many. Telling on the population size of any location. Frederick (2004) writes that “the population size of any location is the ratio of the sum total of the number of persons in an area to the size of the area they occupied per square M2.

The family is known to comprise of the father, mother and the children. The numbers of children given birth to by each family residing in any locality has either negative or positive impact on the overall population size in such geographical location. Apart from the above definitions of family planning, the writers see family planning as the process of controlling the number of children you have by using contraception.

Family planning and the problems of population control have been a major concern to both the government and individuals over the years, Nigeria in general and Edo State in particular have been experiencing a geometric increase in population and as a result government budget and revenue allocation have equally increased. Sincerely speaking, for some couples of years back, Edo State government had made several efforts, especially at the grass root to sensitize people on the needs in family planning in addition to providing adequate basic facilities to meet the needs of the dwellers, it is annoying to see that all these efforts have not yielded positive results. This negatively could be as a result of illiteracy on the parts of the parents.

Autchinson in Osula, (2000) stated some other reasons for the alarming increase in population. The ever increasing population size is encouraged by several factors such as (i) problems of child spacing (ii) unwanted pregnancy resulting from frustrated youths (iii) pursuance of money (prostitutions)” etc it was in a bid to check this ugly situation that Edo State government is been using mass media, television, radio, workshop, seminars and so on to educate, enlighten and sensitize people on the needs for family planning and the dangers, disadvantages and problems of uncontrolled population rate.

1.2 Statement of Problem

This research work principally address the following problems:

Religious belief as a means of discouragement to family planning.
Unwanted pregnancy resulting from frustration and pursuance of money by our youths.
Problem of inadequate information.
Financial predicaments ravaging some homes.

1.3 Objective of the Study

The research is designed to find the means to control family planning that results to problems of population control.

The study therefore has the following, as its specific objectives.

To find out if religious belief discourages people from family planning.
To identify the causes of unwanted pregnancy resulting to control of population among our youths.
To find out if inadequate information can lead to family planning.
To find out if financial predicaments has role/roles to play in family planning/population control.

1.4 Research Hypotheses

For the successful completion of the study, the following research hypotheses were formulated by the researcher;

H0: there are no causes of unwanted pregnancy resulting to control of population among our youths.
H1: there are causes of unwanted pregnancy resulting to control of population among our youths.
H02: financial predicaments have no role/roles to play in family planning/population control.
H2: financial predicaments have role/roles to play in family planning/population control.

1.5 Significance of the Study

The study is aimed at investigating family planning and problem of population control in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. The result of this finding will go a long way to enhance the positive attitude of couples in spacing out their children. It will also expose couples to the various contraceptives methods. The investigation will also serve as an eye opener to the government in providing adequate basic facilities, and finally, researchers in the field of population statistics, growth and control will find the findings of this study very useful.

1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study

The scope of the study covers family planning and problem of population control. The researcher encounters some constrain which limited the scope of the study;

a) Availability of Research Material:

The research material available to the researcher is insufficient, thereby limiting the study

b) Time:

The time frame allocated to the study does not enhance wider coverage as the researcher has to combine other academic activities and examinations with the study.

c) Organizational Privacy:

Limited Access to the selected auditing firm makes it difficult to get all the necessary and required information concerning the activities.

1.7 Definition of Terms

The terms used in this study are defined within the context of the study. They include.

Child Bearing:

An act of giving birth to children.

Child Spacing:

Giving birth to child giving enough space.

Population:

Refers to the number of persons living in an area.

Planning:

Refers to measures that could be adopted in regulating occurrence of birth.

1.8 Organization of the Study

This research work is organized in five chapters, for easy understanding, as follows

Chapter one is concern with the introduction, which consist of the (overview, of the study), historical background, statement of problem, objectives of the study, research hypotheses, significance of the study, scope and limitation of the study, definition of terms and historical background of the study.
Chapter two highlights the theoretical framework on which the study is based, thus the review of related literature.
Chapter three deals on the research design and methodology adopted in the study.
Chapter four concentrate on the data collection and analysis and presentation of finding.
Chapter five gives summary, conclusion, and recommendations made of the study

Chapter Five

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

5.1 Introduction

It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was on the family planning and problem of population control. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of family planning and problem of population control.

5.2 Summary

This study was on family planning and problem of population control. Five objectives were raised which included:To find out if religious belief discourages people from family planning, to identify the causes of unwanted pregnancy resulting to control of population among our youths, to find out if inadequate information can lead to family planning, to find out if financial predicaments has role/roles to play in family planning/population control.In line with these objectives, two research hypotheses were formulated and two null hypotheses were posited. The total population for the study is 200 selected residents in Oredo local government of Edo state. The researcher used questionnaires as the instrument for the data collection. Descriptive Survey research design was adopted for this study. A total of 133 respondents made married men,married women, civil servants and youths were used for the study. The data collected were presented in tables and analyzed using simple percentages and frequencies

5.3 Conclusion

From the findings, it was revealed that the attitude of married people in Edo sate was positive and that a relationship was established between family planning and population growth based on the variables of child spacing and size of the family. However, the relationship among them was low.

5.4 Recommendation

Based on the findings, it is recommended that more married people should adopt family planning methods as a means of controlling birth rate which could reduce population growth. Also, Government should put up more enlightment programme that could aid couples to see the need for family planning so as to enhance better development of the Nation.

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