Fertility behaviors of grazing groups in Suman and northern parts of Saudi Arabia

Rshood Khraif, King Saud University

Studies of fertility behaviors of grazing groups in general and Bedouins in particular are very scarce, largely due to lack of data. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to present fertility levels in two grazing groups in Suman and Northern parts of Saudi Arabia, and examine the determinants of their fertility behavior. The effect of several demographic, social, economic, and geographic factors on fertility will be tested. In addition, the extent of contraceptive use will be explored. Two ways of life will be taken into account when analyzing fertility determinants, i.e., families who were living permanently with their herds and those living only temporarily. Data of field survey that was conducted in Suman and Northern parts of Saudi Arabia during last three months of 2005 will be utilized. It consists of about 452 families. A regression type analysis will adopted in the study.