Factors that determine the size of the household in Busoga Sub-Region

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to examine the determinants of household size in Busoga sub region. The study used secondary data from the UNHS (2019/2020) provided by UBOS. A total sample of 252 households was used in the study and their prevailing demographic; socioeconomic and housing conditions were assessed to establish the significant determinants of household size. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS and the study found out that age, marital status, education level of household head, employment status, sex, tenure status, location and ownership of blanket were associated with and significantly determined household size. It was found out that compared to small households, a bigger percentage of respondents from big households were in the youth age group (40.4% compared to 32.7%). Therefore, most of the respondents were in their median ages and also, at older ages more respondents lived in small rather than big households. Household size and age of respondent came outstanding of all other variables and it was clearly confirmed that in old and young age interval, household members stood higher chances of belonging to small households. Unmarried household members were more likely to live in small household sizes than in big households. Most respondents in polygamous marriages belonged to big households. The level of education of the household head improved, for instance from primary to secondary and beyond, more household heads were found with small household sizes. A household member’s marital status especially the head of household is more likely to determine the size of the household; Most likely to result into a big household if the head is in a polygamous marriage than when he is in a monogamous or never married. The following recommendations are suggested; Adult and continuing education that incorporates family planning information should be given top priority by the government and other actors to encourage smaller household sizes in Busoga sub region. A big number of respondents reportedly indicated farming as the major source of earning and any move towards the promotion and modernization of agriculture would result into more employment opportunities especially for the big number of respondents from big households and this may result into increased household income.