“What a man can do, a woman can do better”: women farmers, livelihood and drug abuse in Adamawa State, northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Drug and substance abuse among female population is on the rise but yet to be given adequate scholarly attention. This study examines how women farmers in Adamawa State are engaging in drug and substance abuse to enhance their farming livelihood practices and the implications of their action for health and social cohesion around their communities. Using data collected from interviews and observations, the study discovered that rising female-breadwinning in the study area put a lot of pressure on women to engage in farming as owners, hired or eclectic farmers. To be able to withstand the stress of farming, some engage in the use of psychotropic stimulant substances to enhance their performance. The study also discovered that the most abused substances are cannabis and tramadol due to affordability and availability. On the other hand however, the study found out that increasing indulgence of women in substance abuse is already impacting on spousal relationship between the women indulging in substance abuse and their husbands. The study recommended that government of Adamawa State should enforce in full, the Adamawa State Unclassified (Local Substances) Abuse Law 2015 by establishing a rehabilitation center for correction and reformation of addicts in the state. Furthermore, it is also recommended that all stakeholders should give empowerment of women in the state serious attention.

Keywords:

• Women farmers
• livelihood
• drug abuse
• woman breadwinner
• female-perpetrated domestic violence
• Nigeria

Notes

1 These cities, especially Mubi and Yola have been accommodating displaced persons fleeing incessant Boko Haram attacks in Michika and Madagadali. This may have also contributed to increase in the number of inhabitants.

2 Farming activities usually commence in May and ends around December/January when people are harvesting.

3 For instance, organizing seminars, reconciliation, peacebuilding and training programmes and community sensitization activities. One of the lastest programmes participated in is the community sensitization programme and formation of peace groups in LGAs affected by Boko Haram insurgency in Adamawa State. In this programme, 7 LGAs were covered.

4 Increasing insecurity in the state’s rural areas caused an increase in the number of people, including women, who now reside in urban areas. However, during the rainy season, they return to the villages to farm.

5 This was confirmed during class interaction with postgraduate students in Peace Studies at Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola on 9 July 2019. This was also confirm by a senior indigene of Guyuk interacted with in March, 2020.

6 Some postgraduate students of Peace Studies, however, believe that malijwagi applies only to a widow and not a “retired” housewife. Interaction with the students took place on 9 July 2019 at the premises of the Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by Tertiary Education Trust Fund Institution-based Research.