The Culture of Violence against Women and Its Impact on Sustainable Food Security in Nigeria

Abstract

Violence against women (VAW) is a universal phenomenon which has gained a lot of attention from policy makers, donors, researchers and government agencies as well as civil societies. In spite of the efforts by various international agencies, government and non governmental organizations (NGOs), VAW has proved difficult to eradicate till date. The situation in Nigeria is especially of great interest considering her position in Africa, where culture plays important role in mode attitudes and behaviours that guide the lives of the people. This paper presents a review of Review Article Onifade et al.; BJESBS, 15(2): 1-12, 2016; Article no.BJESBS.24010 2 scholarly discussions on the issue of VAW across the globe with a focus on Nigeria. Archival materials and secondary data were employed in the paper. The contributions of women to food security include; participation in planting of seeds, weeding, harvesting, storage, processing and marketing of the agricultural product. Sub-Saharan African women have been observed to produce 80-90 per cent of food for consumption. Although men grow mainly field crops, women are usually responsible for processing and raising small livestock, which provides protein. Processing and preparation of ready-to-eat foods, such as making gari or yam flour are exclusively women’s jobs. This paper establishes the opinion that VAW has a significant impact on sustainable food security. Bodily injuries as a result of VAW impact negatively on a woman’s participation in food production activities. In some cases she may end up in the hospital to receive treatment and thus become too weak to engage in livelihood activities. Sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS may result with devastating effects on the woman’s ability to engage in food production and processing activities. The fear instilled in her by threats may hinder her innovativeness. Furthermore, victims of VAW may even develop mental illness, experience higher stress and lower self – esteem, all of which impact negatively on her involvement in food production and processing activities. Educated women are more likely to use modern means of farming and implements which would boost the food production. They would also teach their children to respect womanhood. Education of women would enhance their access to productive resources, information on improved technologies and possibly financial resources. In conclusion, the paper ascertains that VAW limits a woman’s full potentials and hinders her full involvement in livelihood activities. Among other strategies for reducing VAW, the paper advocates for women education and for children to be trained and involved in information dissemination on violence prevention activities and promotion of schoolbased and media campaigns.