Fertility Behaviour of Limbu Community(A case study of Maharanijhoda Vdc, Jhapa)

Abstract

This study aims to examine the fertility behaviour of indigenouscommunity. It presents the findings from analysis of interviewed datafromMaharaniJhodaVDC, Jhapadistrict. The samples population of thisstudy is 105 eligible women of reproductive ages (15-49) of Limbucommunity. Data were obtained on household and individual informationrelated to examine fertility performance from the survey conductedduring November 2009. Analysis of fertility behaviour was carried out by usingcross tables andmean tables with selected dependent and independent variables. Childrenever born (CEB) were used as an indicator of fertility behaviour. In sample population of indigenous community 52.54 percent were malesand 47.43 percent were females. Out of the 552 total population, the maleand female children age under five were only 66 inLimbucommunity instudy area. Out of the total population 56.58 percent were literateand43.42 percent were illiterate. Among 419 population aged 10 years andabove 60.14 percent were married. Most of the population are engaged inagricultural and daily wage labour. Among 105, eligible women, highest number were found in age group30-34 (i.e. 24.76). 24.81 percent of women were married in 17.18 years.Around 64 percent of respondent were illiterate and 53.33 percent wereengaged in agriculture.There is inverse relation between mean numbersof CEB and literacy rate of respondents.There is inverse relationshipbetween use of family planning methods and fertility behaviour.Low ageat marriage ultimately leads high fertility. So, effective programmesshould be launched to rise the status of women and avoid early marriagesystem in the study area.