Perception And Management of Human Fertility: A Shona Landscape

Abstract

The history of the Shona people has it formally and informally that fertility is an issue of major concern to the couple, family and community. However, very little literature has been documented concerning the Shona worldview of fertility, as well as its causes and effects. Most of the knowledge and belief systems exist in oral form to the extent that, there is a temptation to exaggerate and mystify as well as misrepresent the concept and its practice. This makes it difficult for outsiders and other non-practising Shona people to appreciate the value of this real life-long African belief system, which has survived the test of time. The paper seeks to offer a philosophical insight and analysis of the perception and management of human fertility among the Shona people of Zimbabwe.