Hearing Native Voices: Contraceptive Use in Matemwe Village, East Africa

Keywords

Contraception, Women, Villages, Family planning services, African culture, Islam, Men, Fertility rates, Fertility

Abstract

Although fertility declines have been documented in various parts of Africa, fertility rates remain high in Tanzania. Widespread resistance to modern contraception is one factor associated with high fertility in Tanzania. The aim of this study was to identify cultural barriers to modern contraceptive use in Matemwe village, Zanzibar. In May 2003, more than 50 in-depth interviews were conducted with community leaders, health care workers and couples in Matemwe. Despite free and easy access to contraceptives, only 2% of Matemwe women participated in the village's family planning programme. Several factors were found to influence contraceptive use, including strong Muslim beliefs, male dominance over females (especially in polygynous relationships), and limited exposure to modern ideas via education and travel. Interviews indicated that in order to lower fertility in Matemwe, cultural barriers to family planning must be confronted. Successful implementation of a family planning programme hinges on the ability of policymakers to integrate modern ideas about contraception with Matemwe's traditional religious and political culture.

Original Publication Citation

Keele, Jeremy J., Renata Forste, and Dallan F. Flake. 2005. “Hearing Native Voices: Contraceptive Use in Matemwe Village, East Africa.” African Journal of Reproductive Health, 9(1):32-41

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2005-4

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5619

Publisher

Women's Health and Action Research Centre

Language

English,Spanish

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Sociology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Full Professor

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