Effect of Gender Based Violence on Women Farmers Agricultural Livelihood Activities in Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Violence hinders growth - economic and social. It retards overall development of individuals, groups and society at large. Violence no matter the form cripples activities of man and keeps them out from pursuing economic activities and otherwise. The women are a group of individuals most affected by violence the world over no matter their status. This study investigates the effects violence has on women farmers’ agricultural livelihood activities. To reveal the effects, the research studies the socio-economic characteristics of the women respondents, various forms of gender based violence, agricultural livelihood activities of the women, causes of gender-based violence and effects of gender-based violence on the respondents. Using structured questionnaire to elicit information from 120 women, data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools. It was observed that majority of the women (52.5%) received primary school education and are all married. About 33% of the respondents are separated because of beating and other forms of violence. Forms of abuse and violence in the area include verbal abuse, forced marriage, genital mutilation, and denial of education. Lack of education, information, trust, poverty, culture, belief systems, weak sanction and so many others are factors fuelling violence against women in the study are. The women engage in various farm activities to survive. They produce vegetables, maize, rear animals, produce cassava, market and even gather fruits. The effects of violence are endless such as reduced income; reduce work capacity of women, loss of agricultural skills, low investment on farm, decrease productivity and others. Women should be given access to information, education, land, credit and other incentive to help them overcome shock from violence and continue to work all year round.