Fatherhood in the African Context: Review and a Case Study in Kenya

Paternal involvement has been observed to positively influence developmental outcomes among children. Fathers’ engagement and investment (both tangible and non-tangible) in the child’s future are seen as the pathway through which fathers influence child development. In this chapter, we have highlighted both empirical and theoretical work regarding the associations between paternal involvement and child outcomes, looking both at global and African-based literature. Additionally, data from a small qualitative study from Kilifi, Kenya is presented to get insight into what is perceived to be the role of a father in a rural Kenyan setting. Based on these results, implications for research and practice are drawn and discussed.