Socio-Cultural Practices and Fertility Behavior among Banyankole Families in Sheema Municipality, South Western Uganda

The study on social cultural practices and fertility behaviour among Banyankole families was carried out in Sheema Municipality, Sheema District, Uganda. The purpose of the study was to examine the reproductive related cultural practices prevalent among the Banyankole, determine the fertility motivators, examine the socio cultural influence on fertility bahaviour and determine the linkages between the socio-cultural practices and fertility behaviour among women and men living in Sheema Municipality. Participants were women and men aged 18 and above living in Sheema Municipality who identified themselves as belonging to the Banyankole ethnic group of Uganda. This paper presents cultural aspects shaping fertility experiences in the area especially enshrined within gender norms and conservative traditionalism of rites and rituals, superstition, perceived mortality risks, extended family system, and foster parenting. The article situates fertility behaviours within the emerging cultural transformational environment with increased education, urbanization and advanced technology. The Study concludes that socio-cultural practices have strong influence on proximate determinants of fertility and thus the resultant fertility behavioral outcomes.