Fulani Women Research Articles

Incidence of Bacterial Contaminants in Fermented Milk (Nono/Kindirmo) Sold By Fulani Women to Consumers in Wukari Metropolis, Taraba State, Nigeria

A study was conducted to investigate contaminants in fermented milk sold by Fulani women in Wukari, Nigeria. Fifteen milk samples were obtained from five different sales points (A, B, C, D, and E) for analysis. The Standard Plate Count method was employed to detect contaminants, with spread plate techniques isolating bacteria. The total aerobic bacteria count on nutrient agar plates was found on sample 2 of sales point D with a bacteria count of 3.3 x 106. The total aerobic bacteria count on Manittol salt agar plates was found on sample 2 of sales point D with a bacteria count of 2.4×106. The highest bacterial growth was staphylococcus aureus with 73.33%. The least bacterial growths was Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with 13.33% respectively. Sample 1 of sales point A, samples 1 and 2 of sales point D and sample 3 of sales point E show bacteria growth on the Mannitol salt agar plate, while the other samples shows no growth. Also on a Nutrient agar plate, sample 1, 2, and 3 of sales point A, sample 3 of sales B, sample 3 of sales point C, and sample 2 of sales point D were negative, while the other samples were positive. It can be concluded that the high incidence of contamination with bacteria in nono could be attributed to the unhygienic milking process and post-contamination after pasteurization and during sales.

Towards more inclusive community landscape governance: Drivers and assessment indicators in northern Ghana

Community-based approaches to landscape governance are considered more legitimate, equitable, and inclusive ways to manage natural resources and more effective in achieving conservation and livelihood goals than centralised and top-down approaches. In Ghana, the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission devolved decision-making authority over natural resources through the Community Resource Management Area (CREMA) governance system. While there is a growing body of literature on the CREMA governance model, few studies have examined the inclusiveness of its decision-making processes. This study aims to fill this gap by identifying the drivers that hinder or foster the inclusiveness of community governance in the Western Wildlife Corridor of northern Ghana and developing a set of inclusivity assessment indicators. Based on data collected through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and observations, we found that several stakeholder groups remain at the margins of the CREMA governance system and feel excluded, particularly Fulani herders, women, and youth. Based on our findings and the literature, we present a set of assessment indicators for inclusive CREMA governance. However, these indicators are unlikely to be fully met because of persisting socio-cultural barriers and power asymmetries. We argue that measures such as capacity building, empowering marginalised social groups, promoting their participation in decision-making, and a bottom-up approach towards creating CREMAs are needed to improve the inclusiveness of CREMA governance. Beyond the CREMAs, the inclusivity indicators developed in this study have broad applicability to environmental and landscape governance.

Appraisal of Agricultural Extension Delivery Approaches among Mbororo Fulani Women in the North West Region of Cameroon

The focus to this study is to make an appraisal on the different agricultural extension delivery approaches that are used to disseminate agricultural innovations to Mbororo Fulani women in the North West region of Cameroon. The study was done between January 2018 to May 2020 and involved only Mbororo Fulani women between the ages of 21-60 years. Primary data was collected through the use of structured questionnaires, observations, focus groups and Interview guides. While secondary data was collected through the study of books, journals, research projects and scientific articles. Multistage sampling techniques were used to select the female farmers for the study. 400 questionnaires were administered randomly to Mbororo women in Mezam, Momo, Boyo, and Donga-Mantung Divisions of the North West Region of Cameroon. Statistical package for social science (SPSS) was used for data analysis and the spearman correlation coefficient test was equally used to verify the hypothesis. Results from the study revealed that farmer field school (37%) and participatory approach (47%) are the most common extension approaches used to provide agricultural innovations to the Mbororo Fulani women in the North West region of Cameroon. Also, the study noted that Mbororo Fulani women in the North West region have limited knowledge about extension delivery approaches needed to bring about innovations in the agricultural sector which they are greatly involved. It is therefore recommended that Policy makers in agricultural extension related issues, should develop gender sensitive measures to increase Mbororo Fulani women in education and training that can create awareness on the application of extension delivery approaches in the agricultural sector which the find themselves as active participants and this can be done through the creation of Mbororo Fulani female farmer’s cooperatives.

A SURVEY OF DAIRY PRODUCTION PRACTICES IN THE DERIVED SAVANNAH OF OYO STATE SOUTH WESTERN NIGERIA

The study was conducted to find out dairy production practices among Agro-pastoral Fulani women in the derived Savannah of Oyo State, Southwestern Nigeria. Data were collected, using structured questionnaire from 120 Fulani women in three Local Government areas namely: 0yo West, Atiba and Ogbomosho North respectively. The study revealed that the main dairying activities are milking of cattle, processing and marketing of dairy products. The most preferred dairy products are wara (local cheese), ghee and butter. Marketing was done exclusively by self or in combination with intermediaries ("middlemen"). Main reasons for engagement in dairying activities are: Income generation, cultural and husband's wish. Constraints mostly encountered are bad roads, inadequate transport facilities and inadequate supply of raw milk from the cattle in dry season. Sources of agricultural information include; friends/neighbours, radio broadcasts, and International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Programme, Ibadan.

Pastoralism and politics of exclusion in Ibarapa, Oyo State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT The pastoral Fulani in Nigeria’s South-West geo-political zone are mostly migrants from the northern part of the country, with some hailing from neighbouring Chad and Niger. This article examines the concept of social exclusion with regards to access to the dividends of democracy in Ibarapa, Oyo State, Nigeria. Interviews were conducted with 22 selected participants, including six Fulani men, six Fulani women, four opinion leaders from Fulani communities, and four from host communities, as well as two government officials. Data was analysed using content and thematic analysis. Findings revealed that the scarce dividends of democracy are distributed to the exclusion of the Fulani due to their status as settlers. The Fulani feel cheated of their rights, even though they vote responsibly during elections. The host communities feel the Fulani are not entitled to the dividends of democracy because they are settlers and thus should return to their homeland. This has promoted division between the settlers and indigenes despite them living side by side. There is a need for the appropriate authorities to ensure the equitable distribution of the dividends of democracy in the study area, so as to engender equity and social justice, and to promote the feeling of belonging and togetherness between settlers and indigenes.

Ethnicity, sex composition of living children, and unrealized fertility in Nigeria

While studies in high-income countries have shown that failure to achieve fertility desires is significantly associated with unfavourable personal circumstances, there is barely any empirical evidence on the factors that influence the pattern of unrealized fertility in sub-Saharan Africa. Using data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, this paper investigates the roles of ethnicity and the sex composition of living children on unrealized fertility in Nigeria. The results show that the odds of having unrealized fertility were higher among Hausa–Fulani women compared with women of other ethnic groups in Nigeria. Also, having daughters only (no sons) was associated with higher odds of unrealized fertility, after controlling for other important covariates. The findings suggest that cultural norms and pronatalism significantly influence the fertility desires of women in Nigeria, even at the end of their reproductive lifespan.

The Impact of Livestock Extension on the Livelihood of Mbororo Fulani Women in the North West Region of Cameroon

Mbororo Fulani women are experiencing transformation in their livelihood through livestock farming. This paper investigates the contributions of livestock farming to the wellbeing of the Mbororo Fulani women of the North West region of Cameroon. Mbororo women in the North West region play different roles to contribute to the growth of the livestock sector in Cameroon but lack technological knowledge and extension services to improve on their livestock activities. The study used primary data gotten through structured questionnaires and secondary data from journals, books and work from other researchers. The simple random sampling was used to select 400 Mbororo women for the study and SPSS was used for data analysis. The study reveals that 61% of Mbororo women are engage in livestock farming. 20.4% of the women keep different categories of livestock extension (sheep, goat, poultry etc). 89% of the women do livestock farming for income generation and as a means to increase proteins needs for their families. Therefore, livestock is an important source of revenue to Mbororo Fulani women in the North West region of Cameroon thus Cameroon government should put more efforts to assist these Mbororo women in livestock farming by providing them with modern innovations through extension services and resources needed to expand on livestock farming.

Perception and Practices of Nomadic Women in a Rural Community in Southwestern Nigeria to Their Children's Oral Health.

Introduction Nomads move from one settlement to another, thus it has been difficult to have adequate documentation about their oral health and that of their children. Aim To investigate the perception and practices of nomadic Fulani women toward their children's oral health. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among 197 Fulani women using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Results Perceived causes of tooth decay included tooth germs/worms (23.9%) and sugar (5.1%), and 32.0%, 15.2%, and 5.1%, respectively, self-medicated children with antibiotics, traditional concoctions/herbs, and analgesics for tooth decay. Two fifths (40.1%) attributed bleeding gums to tooth germs/worms. Polyurethane foam (46.7%), toothbrush (32.0%), finger (18.8%), and wooden twigs (2.5%) were aids used for cleaning children's teeth. Conclusions These mothers have suboptimal oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward their children's oral health. There is a need for urgent intervention among this group of people.

Creating the next steps to care: Maternal heath, improvisation, and Fulani women in Niamey, Niger

ABSTRACTOn paper, Niger's maternal healthcare system is extensively outlined by policies which assure access to certain services and create hierarchical referral chains. In practice it remains intensely improvisational: actors in the system must frequently make up the next steps to giving and receiving care, often outside the existing policies and procedures. Although population health in Niger has improved since the recently enacted gratuité des soins policy (which guarantees free access to certain material and child health services), care on the ground is still dictated by difficult circumstances and scarce resources. Health workers often lack the required medications and supplies; nevertheless, they must find ways to deliver services. Patients seeking maternal health services are frequently dissatisfied with the care they receive and so move forward of their own volition, by negotiating with health workers or by looking for services elsewhere. This research builds on recent scholarly work on improvisation, and asks us to further look at the ways that improvisation can be informed by the identity of the actors. Examining case studies of women from the Fulani ethnic group illustrates how particular cultural differences can inform improvisation. Analysing improvisation can also have policy implications; identifying typical points of departure from the official maternal health care system can reveal points where Niger can bolster its commitment to a universally high quality of care.

Valorisation des produits laitiers dans les ménages Peul du Nord-Est du Bénin

Pastoral and agro pastoral population of Benin hold s almost all the national cattle herd. Milk is the most commonly product derived from cattle and its s ale provides cash income to Fulani woman. A survey was conducted in Kalale district within sixteen Fulani households to understand their milk management's organization. The organization around milk capital is gender sensitive. Man as well as woman, in their respective roles, help to ensure sustainability of livestock capital. Milk is managed to favor househo ld consumption and ensure the herd's reproduction. Lab or compensation and equity in wealth distribution w ithin Fulani household granted to women who are in the herd more profits from milk of the family herd. Dairy

Educating Muslim Women

Educating Muslim Women is a unique study of Muslim women told throughthe story of Nana Asma’u, a nineteenth-century Fulani woman from NorthernNigeria who became a renowned scholar and greatly impacted Muslim womenin Nigeria and beyond. Drawing on history, literary analysis, and ethnography,the volume’s slimness belies a wealth of material that will interest historians,applied linguists, and even sociologists of contemporary Muslim communities.The book’s main argument is that Muslim women have played a greaterrole in their communities than has previously been understood by historians.While using Nana Asma’u as an example, Boyd and Mack argue that she wasnot unique and offer painstaking details to show that her society supportedand encouraged female Islamic scholarship. In addition, they relate how contemporarywomen continue to follow her example. The book is organizedroughly chronologically, although the chapter titles suggest a thematic organizationthat is not always adhered to.The introduction offers some background on Sufism, which in later chaptersthe authors narrow down to the Qadiriyyah order. They define Sufism as“the prayerful pursuit of knowledge aiming to move an individual closer toGod” (p. 15). Their focus on knowledge allows them to emphasize Islamicscholarship and education: “Education, like Islam itself, was integral to allparts of daily life” (p. 21). Nineteenth-century schools are depicted as placeswhere pupils learned Qur’anic recitation and received religious blessings, aswell as practiced farming, obtained medical treatment, and sought personaladvice. By depicting education as central to Islam and Islam as central toNorthern Nigerian society, their subsequent account of how involved women ...

‘Do life histories surface as time goes by?’: Longitudinal anthropological research, time and feminist knowledge production

This article relates the biography of Aisaatou, an Islamic Fulani woman in North Cameroon, to the question of how to engage in ‘responsible’ feminist knowledge production. Through a longitudinal study, a time–space is created in which the ‘other’ is not constructed in terms of distance, spatial and temporal (Fabian 1983), but is included in the anthropological knowledge production and self-reflection. This is done through dialogues and discussions concerning the context of occurring changes – waves of Islamic fundamentalisms, new forms of Islamic schooling, access to new media etc. – within the ‘other's’ society, but also by including the people concerned in the ‘Time of Anthropology’, thus respecting their agency in knowledge production. The initial naïve knowledge and academic perspective faded in reality. By sharing this experience, I explore how the methodology of a longitudinal study attributes a special dimension to feminist research and (anthropological) knowledge production in general.

Does docosahexaenoic acid play a role in infant malnutrition in the children of Fulani nomads in Northern Nigeria?

Malnutrition is a major contributor to the death of children under 5 years of age in sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, poor nutrition causes stunting and underweight in infants and children while at the same time putting at risk normal neurologic and cognitive development. A recent study of rural Fulani infants up to age 2 years in northern Nigeria found that more than one-quarter were stunted and underweight. The nutritional status of these infants was relatively sound at birth but progressively declined over the following 2 years. While insufficient dietary macronutrients such as protein and carbohydrate and micronutrients such as iodine, zinc, vitamin A and iron may well have contributed to their post-natal growth retardation, in this report we raise the possibility that inadequate intake of essential long-chain ω-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in particular, by infants during the first few years of life may play a role in childhood malnutrition in this part of the world, especially in populations like the Fulani pastoralists who live far-removed from the ocean which would otherwise provide access to DHA-rich seafood. We conclude this piece by suggesting several approaches for improving the DHA status of pregnant and lactating Fulani women and their offspring in Nigeria.

Effect of Culture on the Management of a Pregnant Fulani Woman with Ovarian Cyst: A Case Report

Interactions between clinicians and patients towards pain assessment and management can present a problem due to some differences in perceptions between orthodox medicine and lay beliefs and practices seen in different cultural groups. The Fulani people found in Northern Nigeria and all over West Africa present a unique group in cultural pain perception, in both the male and women folk. This is the report on a case of a large (>24cm) right ovarian cyst seen in a sixteen-year-old teenage woman of Fulani descent, presenting with abdominal pain in her sixth month of pregnancy. She had right cystectomy without conservation of the ovary on that side. Histopathological diagnosis was serous cystadenoma. She however, had abortion on the third postoperative day without any warning signs of labour. Although postoperative abortions may be seen at this stage, they are more common in the first trimester of pregnancy. The early diagnosis and treatment or follow-up of ovarian cystic lesions is necessary for the detection of malignant changes (2% to 5% of cysts) and the prevention of other complications involving either the ovary or foetus, in the presence of pregnancy. However, the culture of the Fulani that forbids the expression of pain may complicate the early diagnosis and treatment of both benign and malignant ovarian disease and other similar conditions seen in and out of pregnancy. The objective of this paper is therefore, to help practising clinicians and oncologists, especially Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, towards the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of these conditions by paying attention to both verbal and non-verbal communication of pain, when dealing with this and other monocultural group of people. This may also serve as the basis for further research on cancer and non-cancer pain management among different cultures in our environment.

Serum lipid profile in non-pregnant and prenant Hausa-Fulani women at second and third trimester of pregnancy in Kura local government area, Kano State, Nigeria

Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-CH) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-CH) concentrations were determined in two hundred and fifty (250) apparently healthy females of child bearing age ( non pregnant, 127 and pregnant 123) who attended the antenatal and other clinics at Kura Comprehensive Health Centre, Kano State from August to December 2005. Body weight and height of each subject were taken to calculate body mass index (BMI). Mean serum TC, HDL-CH and BMI values were found to be higher in pregnant than in non pregnant subjects. When the pregnant subjects were classified on the basis of gestational age, 35.0% were in second trimester and 65.0% were in the third trimester. Mean serum TC, HDL- CH and LDL- CH values were significantly higher (p< 0.05) in second trimester subjects than third trimester subjects. Though a preliminary study, the result of this work will contribute in unraveling the serum lipid profile among pregnant and non pregnant Hausa - Fulani women in Northern Nigeria. Key word: serum lipoproteins, pregnant women, Hausa-Fulani, Northern Nigeria

Vitamin D Status of Seminomadic Fulani Men and Women

The purpose of this study was to assess the vitamin D status of Fulani men and women in northern Nigeria. The Fulani are seminomadic pastoralists whose culture, economy, and diet are centered on cattle. Most of the foods consumed by the Fulani are not good sources of vitamin D. Also being Muslim, the women do not derive much benefit from the vitamin D-generating effects of sunlight due to their dress habits. Furthermore, childhood rickets is common in the region. Serum was collected from 22 Fulani men (age, 47.6 +/- 8.3 years; body mass index [BMI], 21.1 +/- 3.2 kg/m2) and 29 women (age, 55.5 +/- 13.5 years; BMI, 21.6 +/- 3.1 kg/m2) in rural northern Nigeria and analyzed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and D3 using ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry Eighty-three percent of the women and 45% of the men had serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in the hypovitaminosis D range (10-30 ng/mL). In the males, there was a strong negative correlation between serum vitamin D and BMI (r = -0.49, p = .022) and percent body fat (r = -0.51, p = .015). No such correlations were observed in the Fulani women. Our main conclusion is that about half the men and most of the women in the Fulani community where this study was conducted are inadequately nourished with respect to vitamin D. A high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D indicates an elevated risk for rickets in children and bone fractures in adults.

Fetal age assessment based on 2nd trimester ultrasound in Africa and the effect of ethnicity

BackgroundThe African population is composed of a variety of ethnic groups, which differ considerably from each other. Some studies suggest that ethnic variation may influence dating. The aim of the present study was to establish reference values for fetal age assessment in Cameroon using two different ethnic groups (Fulani and Kirdi).MethodsThis was a prospective cross sectional study of 200 healthy pregnant women from Cameroon. The participants had regular menstrual periods and singleton uncomplicated pregnancies, and were recruited after informed consent. The head circumference (HC), outer-outer biparietal diameter (BPDoo), outer-inner biparietal diameter and femur length (FL), also called femur diaphysis length, were measured using ultrasound at 12–22 weeks of gestation. Differences in demographic factors and fetal biometry between ethnic groups were assessed by t- and Chi-square tests.ResultsCompared with Fulani women (N = 96), the Kirdi (N = 104) were 2 years older (p = 0.005), 3 cm taller (p = 0.001), 6 kg heavier (p < 0.0001), had a higher body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.001), but were not different with regard to parity. Ethnicity had no effect on BPDoo (p = 0.82), HC (p = 0.89) or FL (p = 00.24). Weight, height, maternal age and BMI had no effect on HC, BPDoo and FL (p = 0.2–0.58, 0.1–0.83, and 0.17–0.6, respectively).When comparing with relevant European charts based on similar design and statistics, we found overlapping 95% CI for BPD (Norway & UK) and a 0–4 day difference for FL and HC.ConclusionSignificant ethnic differences between mothers were not reflected in fetal biometry at second trimester. The results support the recommendation that ultrasound in practical health care can be used to assess gestational age in various populations with little risk of error due to ethnic variation.

Gender Contribution of Fulani Rural Dwellers to Household Food Security in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria

Actualizing food security through adequate food production is not a sole responsibility of men alone as women too play significant if not dominant roles of supplying all ingredients necessary to achieve food security in developing countries. It is against this background that the study on gender contribution of Fulani rural dwellers to household food security in Yewa North Local Government was based. A total of 131 respondents were randomly sampled for the study though 120 questionnaires were analyzed as 11 questionnaires were discarded due to misinformation. Questionnaires were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages and chi-square. Majority of the respondents fall within the age brackets of 36 - 45 years of age with a mean of 41 years of age. Majority (63.3%) is in monogamous homes while (36.7%) are in polygamous homes majority have family size 7-9 with a mean of 8 people. Majority of the men occupation was livestock rearing while trading was the main occupation of the female respondents. Majority sell milk products as source of income generating activity. Most men were involved in livestock rearing while majority of the women were involved in crop-farming as a means of livelihood. Majority of the Fulani men and women make sure that food items are available at homes. Both male and female respondents ranked lack of capital as their major constraint to food production. Chi-square analysis revealed that there was significant relationship between age (÷2 value =13.25 p³=0.05) sex (÷ 2 value =20.87 p³0.05), family structure (÷ 2 value=5.01 p³=0.05), educational background (÷ 2 value=10.76 p³ = 0.05), primary occupation (÷ 2 value=94.12 p³=0.05) and their contribution to household food security. T-test showed that there is significant difference (p³ =0.05) in men and women's contribution to house hold food security. However, women have been identified to contribute more to household food security than men even when cultural tradition denies them access to farmland and capital. It is therefore suggested that Fulani women should be encouraged to attend adult literary classes in order to improve their salary level and farm inputs should be given to them at very subsidized rate.

Changes in Crop and Livestock Activities of Yoruba and Fulani Women in Saki-West Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

Changes in Crop and Livestock Activities of Yoruba and Fulani Women in Saki-West Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

OP08.04: Fetal age assessment based on ultrasound in the second trimester and the effect of ethnic morphometric differences in Cameroon

The African population is composed of a variety of ethnic groups, some of them very different. Some studies suggest that ethnic variation may influence dating. The aim of the present study was to establish reference values for fetal age assessment in Cameroon using two different ethnic groups (Fulani and Kirdi), and to determine the effect of maternal morphometry. This was a prospective cross-sectional study of 200 healthy pregnant women from Cameroon. The participants had regular menstrual periods and singleton uncomplicated pregnancies, and were recruited after informed consent. The head circumference (HC), outer-outer biparietal diameter (BPD) and femur length (FL) were measured using ultrasound at 12–22 weeks of gestation. Differences in demographic factors and fetal biometry between ethnic groups were assessed by t- and Chi-square tests. Compared to the Fulani women, Kirdi were 2 years older (P = 0.005), 3 cm taller (P = 0.001), 6 kg lighter (P < 0.0001), had higher ponderal index (P = 0.001), but were not different with regard to parity. There was no effect of weight (P = 0.20 (FL), 0.22 (HC), 0.39 (BPD)), height (P = 0.22 (FL), 0.58 (HC), 0.83 (BPD)), maternal age (P = 0.1 (BPD), 0.17 (FL), 0.34 (HC)), and BMI (P = 0.2 (HC), 0.33 (BPD), 0.6 (FL)) on fetal biometry. Compared with other relevant European charts we found them in agreement with charts from Norway (HC, BPD, FL) and England (HC, BPD); statistical analysis methods are similar in these three studies. The present study shows that ethnic differences had no significant effect on second-trimester fetal size. The current dating charts are in agreement with charts based on other populations and for all practical purposes applicable in a variety of populations, since ethnic differences hardly influence fetal biometry until after 22 weeks of gestation.