Separate lives, different interests: male and female reproduction in the Gambia

We report the initial findings of a research programme on the fertility and reproductive health of both men and women in rural Gambia. The reproductiv e experiences of men and women in the population studied were very differen t. During the period 1993-97, the total fertility rates were 12.0 for men a nd 6.8 for women. For men fertility began later, reached higher levels and continued into older ages than for women. Through serial and polygynous mar riages, men were able to extend their reproduction beyond what would be pos sible with one woman. Of the married men interviewed, 40% were married poly gynously. Men's fertility preferences indicated that they recognized their reproductive potentials to be greater than those of their individual wives. On average, married men desired 15.2 children for themselves and 7.3 for e ach wife. In this polygynous population the means available for attaining r eproductive goals were different for the two sexes, depending on the separa te lives and different interests of men and women.