The Integration of Population Education into Programmes for Rural Youth in Sierra Leone

Working Draft 9 April 1990
FAO/UNFPA Project INT/88/P98

Field Test Report
The Integration of Population Education into Programmes for
Rural Youth in Sierra Leone

Report of Field Testing of Leaders Guides and
Teaching Materials in Sierra Leone and
Analysis of Knowledge and Attitudes of Rural
Youth Groups Concerning Population
Education Concepts

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS ROME, ITALY

Table of Contents

Introduction and Project Outline

Annex 1 : Detailed analysis of the filed evaluation reports

Annex 2 : Statements (greatest changes in responses underlined)

1. The Population of an area increases when there are more birth than deaths.

2. The more people there are in a family, the greater farm output will be

3. When population increases rapidly in the rural areas there are often not enough jobs or land for everyone.

4. Movement of people from the village to the city can result in a shortage of housing in the city.

5. Movement of people from the village to the city can result in pressure on social services in the cities.

6. Movement of people from the village to the city can result in pressure on farmers in rural areas to produce food for city people.

7. The earth can support an unlimited number of people

8. Pollution is only a problem in the cities, not in the rural areas

9. The number of people in a family has an effect on family standard of living.

10. Large families are usually happier than small families

11. It is better for a woman's health if she waits until she is at least 20 years old before having her first child.

12. A large family is a sign of God's blessing

13. Children provide security in old age

14. Children strengthen the bond between husband and wife.

15. Having many children is a sign of a man's vigour

16. It is important for a family to have at least one son.

17. Population education can help to improve the quality of life.

18. Parents should have only as many chidren

19. In smaller families, the children are usually better educated

20. Large families can add to the social problems of the community

21. Having many children is a good way to guarantee a source of labour for the family farm

22. The earth's natural resources will last forever

23. Increases in population in the rural areas can make it impossible for youth to obtain good land for farming.

24. Agriculture is the only kind of employment possible in the rural areas

25. As soon as a woman reaches sexual maturity, she is ready to be a mother

26. Important decisions in the family should always be made by the father

27. It is the mother's responsibility to provide bye and affection to the children

28. The body needs a balance of different kinds of foods to grow and be strong.

29. It is the responsibility of the government to provide adequate health facilities.

30. The number of people in our village is increasing too quickly