The age of childbirth in the Bantu of Southern Rhodesia

Abstract

In 1948 a sample census of the African population of Southern Rhodesia was carried out. During this census it was found that most Africans have only a rough idea of their ages, and consequently they were divided into two broad age groups. These groups were (a) up to and including puberty; and (b) over puberty. Puberty was considered to be any age between 12 and 15 years. Another sample census of the African population is being undertaken at the present time. It seemed to be of interest to try and determine the age at which African women were bearing their children, as some idea of the fertility rate might thereby be determined.