Abstract

This study examines the socio-cultural and economic determinants of fertility differentials in rural and urban Cross River State, Nigeria with specific focus on Calabar and Bendi communities. Survey design was adopted and a sample of eight hundred and eighty respondents was drawn with the use of purposive, quota and systematic sampling techniques. The study elicited data via structure questionnaire and focus group discussions (FGD). Hypotheses of the study were tested using bi-variate and multi-variate techniques. Findings revealed that age at entry into marital union, contraceptive use and educational level significantly determined fertility differentials between rural and urban communities in Cross River State. It was recommended among others that public enlightenment campaigns on the use of contraceptives and proper family planning should be embarked upon by concerned agencies.

Key words: Educational level, marital union, fertility differential.