A Measure of Pastoralist Women’s Vulnerability to the Impact of Seasonality: Evidence from Nigeria

Subject Areas : Environmental policy and management

S. A.  Aderinoye-Abdulwahab ¹ (Agricultural Extension & Rural Development University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria)
J. J.  Chimgonda-Nkhoma ² (Agricultural Extension & Rural Development University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria)

Received: 2015-10-05 Accepted : 2015-10-05 Published : 2015-09-01

Keywords: Pastoralists, Livelihoods, Vulnerable, Coping ability, capacity,

Abstract :

This paper examines factors that predispose pastoralist women to social and environmental vulnerability and how the women cope with their livelihoods when their husbands relocate with cattle during dry season. The paper adopts a case study research design to select Kwara State of Nigeria where focus groups discussions and interviews were held to elicit information. It was found that food insecurity, low incomes, seasonal changes, conflict, and culture deter women from sustaining a well-being. The study recommends that organisations and policy makers should capitalise on indigenous knowledge when designing measures to reduce people’s vulnerability as this would enhance their livelihood sustainability.