African households: National and subnational trends from censuses and surveys

Maria Pohl, Albert Esteve and Juan Galeano

Population Studies, 2025, vol. 79, issue 2, 385-405

Abstract: Using census and survey microdata from 49 African countries across 415 subnational areas, we offer a comprehensive overview of household size and composition in Africa. The study emphasizes the potential of these data for understanding family dynamics through co-residential units. Clear regional patterns emerge, showcasing a wide range of household sizes across the continent. We find that household size is linked primarily to the number of children and secondarily to the presence of other family and non-family members beyond the nuclear household. The analysis of household composition also highlights the uneven influence of polygyny and extended families. This research is a first step in examining harmonized census and survey data to delve into the structure and dynamics of households across Africa from a demographic perspective.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/00324728.2024.2427580

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