Contraception in Africa

Analytical Essay # 3009

Anthropology > African
Anthropology > Cultural
Hot Topics > Birth Control

Discusses the subject of contraceptive use in Kenya.

2,158 words () | 9 sources | 2001 Canada

Paper Summary:

In this essay, the subject of contraceptives in Kenya is discussed. This includes why Western medicine will not work in a society that basis wealth on the size of the family, the lack of understanding on both parties involved, the failure of family planning programs and the lack of follow up procedures. Before seeing the western trend of smaller families as the ideal, the paper argues that one must look at the notion of children as a form of wealth in the African family. Children remain valuable assets, even when the family is faced with economic hardship. Furthermore, in advance of implementing western knowledge of contraception, both sides must be educated in each others levels of understanding. Finally, to be educated, these women must have adequate resources. If high fertility rates want to be lowered, than there needs to be access to knowledgeable programs.

From the Paper:

"The West fails on the absence of understanding why these contraceptives are unavailable, and when they are, why the Africans do not use them. The lack of understanding falls on the East when one realizes that they have no education on contraceptive issues. Absence of understanding of the African culture plays a part in the misconceptions of a high fertility rate."