Reproduction and Poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

In this article I explore some of the relationships between poverty and reproduction in Africa. Much thinking about these issues has been based on a particular understanding of fertility -one which relates poverty to high fertility via a shortage of labour power and insecurity However, some recent work looks at reproduction in sub-Saharan Africa in a rather different way. I briefly outline that work, and then try to draw out the implications for an understanding of poverty, gender and reproduction. Important questions include: are the reproductive histories of poor women different from those of non-poor women? What about poor men? How do changing gender relations affect reproduction? How does reproductive history affect economic and social status?