Abstract
The main objective of the study was to examine perceptions of issues relating to early marriage among pastoral women in Saki East Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State. Specifically, the study determined socioeconomic characteristics of the women, perception on women’s early marriage, and effects of early marriage among pastoralist women. Population was made up of pastoralists women in the LGA. Interview schedule was used for data collection. Frequency, percentage, mean score and standard deviation were used to analyze data collected. Findings show that 48.3% of respondents are between 21 and 30 years, while 28.3% are below 20, reflecting the prevalence of early marriage. Educational attainment is low, with 51.7% having no formal education. Large household sizes (45.0% with 1–5 members) and reliance on subsistence farming limit economic stability. Early marriage is driven by the perception to raise many children (X̅ = 3.30). Perceived effects of early marriage are linked to health risks, including increased exposure to HIV/AIDS (X̅ = 3.14), Vesicovaginal Fistula (X̅ = 3.43) and deprivation of child education and wellbeing (X̅ = 3.01). Recommendations include improving access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for pastoralist women to reduce early marriage and its negative effects.