Factors Contributing to High Teenage Marriages in Chibombo District in Zambia: A Case of Mungule Ward in Katuba Constituency

The main objective of this study was to explore on factors contributing to high teenage marriages in Chibombo District: a case of Mungule ward in Katuba Constituency, particularly in Mutakwa, and Matchaya villages. The study sort to identify the drivers of teenage marriages and to establish the social, cultural and economic factors that promote teenage marriages. The methods used to get sample area which has 48 villages included Simple random in which sampling was used to get 100 respondents who were female and male representing others in other villages. Moreover purposive sampling was also used to get answers from traditional leadership and members of the organisations from the respective village under the sampled area. Research instruments used to collect data were questionnaires, interview guides and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) whereby girls, boys, parents and members of organisation that work within the study area were contacted to get the reality. Then factors which contribute to early marriage among teenagers in Mungule ward in Katuba Constituency revealed to be; Inadequate sex education, Peer pressure, Conformity, Influence of mass media, Lack of transparency, Shame, Traditional practices and Unemployment. It is recommended that Government through the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Community Development and Social Services and the Ministry of Gender may conduct extensive outreach programmes concerning early marriage and HIV/AIDS infections especially by addressing the factors which contribute to early marriage and also involving teenagers in decision making that can change community mind set to abandon that practice.