Paper short abstract:

This study examines emerging patterns of childbearing and household decision-making environment in selected rural coastal communities in Ghana

Paper long abstract:

Using longitudinal data from six rural communities in three coastal regions of Ghana, this study examines emerging patterns of childbearing in households comprised largely of fishermen, fishmongers and farmers. It also includes an examination of the household fertility decision-making environment for coital frequency, contraception and birth-spacing. Data reveals interesting pattern of childbearing with regard to educational attainment of respondents; for women, their age at birth of first child is a stronger determinant of subsequent childbearing and eventual total fertility rate in Ghana's on-going demographic transition.