Women, microcredit and family planning practices: a case study from rural Ghana
Norwood, C.
Journal of Asian and African Studies 46(2): 169-183
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0021-9096 PMID: 21901899 DOI: 10.1177/0021909610388747Document Number: 228746
This paper examines the influence of informal banking club participation on family planning practices in rural Ghana. Research from Asia suggests that family planning practices are improved by club participation. This study examines this thesis in an African context, using rural Ghana as a case study. A sample of 204 women (19 years and older) was drawn from Abokobi village, Ghana. Multivariate analyses of direct, mediating and moderating effects of women's demographic background characteristics, membership status and length, and women's empowerment status as predictors of family planning practices are assessed. Findings suggest that club membership and membership length is not associated with family planning practices; however, age, education level, number of children and empowerment status are.