Efforts to promote family planning in Northern Nigeria are gaining traction, with initiatives like the Furanni programme by Five Cowries helping to dispel long-standing misconceptions. In Kano State’s Ghari Local Government Area, 15-year-old Rukayyah Ibrahim was introduced to the concept for the first time, expressing her determination to adopt family planning when she marries. Similarly, participant Nadiya Mustapha acknowledged how the session helped correct her previous belief that contraception leads to infertility.
Family planning remains a sensitive topic in the region, often seen as a foreign concept. However, attitudes are gradually shifting. Data from the Performance Monitoring for Action (PMA) survey shows Kano State’s contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) rose from 5% in 2016 to 14% in 2024, reflecting increased awareness and access to reproductive health services.
The Furanni programme, implemented in Ghari, Wudil, and Dala LGAs, educates adolescents on sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR). Hajara Salisu Yunus, who leads the initiative in Ghari, highlighted the challenge of cultural barriers but noted that participants are actively sharing their newfound knowledge. She emphasized that family planning helps reduce maternal and child mortality, allowing women to space pregnancies safely.
The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s Health Sector Renewal Plan (2023-2026), which prioritizes equitable healthcare. Experts recommend expanding youth-focused reproductive health programs, integrating family planning education into schools, and strengthening community engagement to ensure lasting progress.