Socio-economic Determinants of Domestic Violence Suffered by Rural Women Crop Farmers in Imo State

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study identified the socio-economic determinants of domestic violence suffered by rural women crop farmers in Orlu agricultural zone of Imo state, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 80 rural women crop farmers for the study. Data was collected using structured interview schedule and analyzed with both descriptive (mean, frequency counts, percentages) and inferential statistical tools (ordinary least square multiple regression analysis). Findings show that 68.5% of the women were 40 years and below and 81.4% were legally married with 88.7% of the women being in marriage for at least 8years. Most of the women (71%) had at most secondary school education and 23.3% earned above N20, 000 per month. Out of the four nature of domestic violence examined in the study, only emotional/psychological violence reached statistical significance with a mean of 2.5. The major causes of domestic violence identified by the study were disagreement over money (mean =3.0), failure to perform domestic chores (mean = 2.7), disobedience to husband (mean=2.7) and sharing marital problems with friends (mean = 2.7). Respondent’s age, duration of marriage, educational status, religion, household size and number of wives were the major determinants of domestic violence. It was recommended that a re-orientation be given to the men in the area to enlighten them more on the negative effects of domestic violence.