Issues on Early Marriage among Female Adolescents in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, Enugu State

This study investigated issues on early marriage among female adolescents in
Isi-Uzo Local Government Area (LGA) of Enugu state. Specially, it identified
causes and challenges of female adolescent marriage, as well as ways of
preventing the practice in the study area. Questionnaire and focus group
discussion guide were utilized for data collection. Population for study was 3,
713 adolescents and their mothers. Data were analyzed using means for
quantitative data while qualitativedata were summarised. Major findings
include causes of female adolescent marriage. These include, ignorance,
poverty and among others, fourteen (14) challenges identified, including,
maritual instability, poor health and among others. Ten ways of stopping the
practice were identified. These include, provision of free education for youths
and orientation program for the youths. Many of the qualitative findings
collaborate the quantitative findings. Based on the findings, three
recommendations were made for prevention of female adolescent marriage in
Isi-uzo LGA of Enugu state.