The Impact of Boko Haram Insurgency on Women's Livelihood: A Case Study in Bama Local Government Displacement Camp of Borno State, Nigeria

• Main Author: Geidam, Aisa Isa
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English; English
• Published: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, (UNIMAS) 2017
• Subjects: H Social Sciences (General)
• Online Access: http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/23937/

This dessertation explores the experiences of women on Boko Haram insurgency in Bama local government area, Borno State, Nigeria. Boko Haram is an Islamic sect that carried out various forms of attacks since its emergence. Although, the insurgency only occurred in the Northern part of Nigeria which has led to displacement of many people. In past few years the manipulation of women became a new tactic of this sect. Women were kidnapped and used by Boko Haram as suicide bombers and in other cases served as wives to the members of the sect. The objectives of the study are: (1) to identify the effects of Boko Haram insurgency on women’s economic and social livelihood in Bama local government area (2) to investigate how Boko Haram insurgency shaped the experiences of women in Bama local government area and (3) to assess the challenges faced by these women in the displacement camp as a result of Boko Haram insurgency. Using feminist theory, this study seeks to understand the use of women in terrorist activity and their position society. The research was conducted in Borno State, Nigeria through face-to-face interview. The interview was done in Hausa and Kanuri local dialect. Twenty women were sampled through convenient sampling who residing in internal displaced camp. Both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered. Quantitative data for the demography of the respondents while qualitative data for the experience of the women. Data gathered were transcribed using back translation technique and analyzed using qualitative software Atlas ti. Data were presented verbatim and cited in the form of quotations. The findings show that Boko Haram insurgency had negative impacts on the lives of women in Bama local government area residing in the displacement camp. They also shared unforgettable memories of hardship and suffering. Furthermore, the women faced a lot of challenges within the displacement camp even though it was better than the insurgency period. Based on these v findings, it is recommended that the Nigerian government and other agencies to support women who are survivors of the insurgency. Assistance such as short and long-term loan should be given to the women of Bama local government area so as to enable them to startup businesses of their choice. Moreover, the women require social amenities to improve their standard of living when they return to Bama. This study will among others add knowledge on the pattern of Boko Haram insurgency as it a new phenomenon in Nigeria. Furthermore, the study will give an insight on the areas the women of Bama local government area are affected by Boko Haram insurgency. This study also helps to breach the gap of knowledge because most available literatures on Boko Haram insurgency focused on its effect on the country at large.