Changing cost and value of children in Nigeria: a study of parents perceptions and fertility responses in Abia State.

In Nigeria, a study was conducted to determine the perceptions of parents of the changing cost and benefits of children among the Igbo communities of Abia State. It was carried out based on a survey of 1200 household respondents and 106 focus discussion groups from six local government areas. Overall, findings revealed the following: 1) the average family size of 5.35 children per woman is much higher than the national average of 2.4; 2) male sex preference exists; 3) couples perceive the present economic condition a determinant in family size and sex distribution; 4) parents generally place abundant premium on children; 5) the premium placed on children is further reinforced by the sentiment that child training is a worthwhile social capital investment; 6) most respondents are aware of the national population policy; 7) awareness of different family planning measures is high; and lastly, 8) parents adopt different mechanisms for coping with the high cost of children's education and upbringing. This study stressed a need for restructuring the operational framework in implementing the national population policy. Incorporation of the principle of sustainability in birth control and population is also needed