Discourse Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences www.resjournals.org/JAFS ISSN: 2346-7002 Vol. 2(5): 152-159, May, 2014

Effect of “August Meeting” in Women‟s Networking and Mobilization towards Rural Development: Experience of Ibeku Women in North Local Government Area of , .

Obinna LEO. O and Odemelem, L. E.

Michael Okpara university of Agriculture Umudike Abia State, Nigeria,

Email For Correspondece:[email protected]

Abstract

The study which was conducted in Ibeku, in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria to assessed the effects of „‟August Meeting‟‟ on women‟s networking and socialization towards rural development. A sample size of 140 respondents realized through the use of multi- stage method was used for the study. Primary data which were generated during the 2013 edition of Ibeku Women‟s „‟August meeting‟‟ made use of structured questionnaire, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and participant observation. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman‟s Correlation Coefficient. The study revealed that the activities the women were involved in during the meeting included among others, socialization, political voice, cultural displays / entertainment, prayers and family planning. The study revealed that „‟August Meeting‟‟ has rural development implications hence the . The study recommended that „‟August Meeting‟‟ should be recognized and supported by Governments, NGOs and other stakeholders through financial assistance since they engender peace and harmony in the rural communities and at the same time contribute towards rural development.

Key Words: „‟August Meeting’’, Ibeku Women, and Rural Development.

INTRODUCTION

Women are becoming increasingly visible in rural and national development. Their participation in national activities is recognized by the Federal, State and Local Government Administrations in Nigeria (Ekong, 2010; Obinna and Chukwu, 2013). Women constitute about 50 % of the Nigerian society (National Population Commission (NPC)( 2006). They comprised of different ages, capacities and capabilities. Their roles cut across child bearing, home management, agricultural production, provision of social security, religious practices, environmental sanitation and management, entertainment and adjudication of legal issues (Nneoyi et al, 2008 ; Obinna and Chukwu, 2013). Studies by Obasi (2005); Idongesit (2007); Odame (2005) and USAID (2004) have shown that women make greater impact in the socio- economic and political development of their societies as groups rather than as individuals. Obasi (2005) identified the women groups to include; co-operatives, age-grades and women wing of town unions. The author further noted that these groups were usually run on a voluntary basis from where the women identify their needs and organize their participation in local representative and decision- making bodies. Groups are essential instruments used by development experts to analyze the wants, desires and wishes of individuals as well as how they act and react (Nneoyi et al, 2008). The authors further, noted that general development initiatives such as agriculture, community health as well as peace and conflict resolution emphasize group action in rural communities. This is based on the fact that the 153

welfare of a group supersedes that of an individual and a group action accomplishes more than an individual working alone ( Obinna and Chukwu, 2013). It was in consideration of the above that Idongesit (2007) stated that indigenous organizations are crucial for sustainable resource use and development. They are embedded into local social structures, characterized by voluntary personalistic face – to – face transactions. August Meeting according to Obasi (2005) is a special period every year in the month of August, when women (Igbo women of Southeastern Nigeria) from all corners of Nigeria and even beyond gather in their different communities to fashion out ways and projects to uplift their local areas. ‘’August Meeting’’ is most popular in the Southeastern part of Nigeria comprising Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Imo states respectively. It takes place every year in the month of August but at different dates with different communities. It involves women of indigenes of a particular place through marriage and/ or women wing of the town unions. The activities of the August meeting include; (i) Sociolization (ii) Networking (ii) Mobilization(voice) (iv) Group Dynamics (v) Special non-denominational prayer sections (vi) Launching for ear- marked projects (vii) Conflict resolutions (viii) Cultural displays and (ix) Communique. The major objective of the study was to assess the effects of the ‘’August Meeting’’ on women’s networking and mobilization towards rural development in Ibeku of Umuahia North LGA Abia State. . The specific objectives were to; - describe the socio-economic factors of the respondents, - identify channels of information dissemination for ‘’August Meeting’’, - identify activities members engage into during ‘’August Meeting’’, - determine the ‘’August Meeting’’ implications for rural development in the study area and, - identify the challenges to ‘’August Meeting’’ in the study area. The Ibeku women’s ‘’August Meeting’’ is scheduled between 24th and 28th of august every year to coincide with the period Ibeku people celebrate their New Yam Festival.

METHODOLOGY

The study was conducted in ‘’Ibeku Egwu Assa Clan’’ in Umuahia North Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State Nigeria, in the month of august 2013. ‘’Ibeku Egwu Assa’’ land area stretches out up to 3/4 of Abia State capital territory and even beyond. Ibeku and Ohuhu Clans make up Umuahia North LGA of Abia State. It is in Ibeku land that the Government House of Abia State is situated. ‘’Ibeku Egwu Assa’’ clan is made up of seven component communities ( called ‘’Egwu Assa), they include; Afaraukwu, Afarata, Ossiah, Isi-eke, Amaforo, Ndume and Emede. Presently, Ibeku Egwu Assa is split into about eighteen autonomous communities by the Abia State Goveernment. Inspite of the creation of the autonomous communities, which are independent with their respective . The Ibeku Egwu Assa still carry out developmental and social activities together under the leadership of ‘’Ogurube’’ ( name of the throne of the overall king of Ibeku Land). During any events that involve Ibeku Egwu Assa ‘’The Ogurube’’ directs other Ezes from the other autonomous communities. On the other hand, The Ibeku Egwu Assa has a development union and her women wing as well as that of the youths. It is on the basis of this fact that the women of Ibeku Egwu Assa both at home and diaspora hold August Meeting together. During ‘’ August Meeting’’ the women from the seven component communities of Ibeku Egwu Assa (called ‘’Egwu’’) always turn out in their colourful uniforms which are seven sets representing each component community of Ibeku . From the uniforms the women are putting on, one can easily identify the ‘’Egwu’’ they come from (this serves as identity for the women). The primary occupations of Ibeku women cut across civil and public service, entrepreneurship, farming, trading, traditional medicine healers, pastors, crafts, and house wives etc. The people of Ibeku have the same cultural heritage as other core Igbo speaking areas of Southern Nigeria. A sample size of 140 respondents generated through multi- stage sampling technique was used for the study. Firstly, all the women in Ibeku were stratified into seven units according to the ‘’Egwus’’ that are seven in number. Secondly, through simple randomized method twenty (20) women respondents were selected from each ‘’Egwu’’ to give a total of 140 respondents that were used for the study. Primary data were generated through structured questionnaire, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and participant observations. Data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as means, frequency tables, percentages and ranks. In addition, Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient was used to determine the relationship that existed between August Meeting and rural development in the study area.

Socio-economic Characteristics of the Respondents

Table 1 revealed that about 57.2 % of the respondents were within the age bracket of 18 – 53 years of age. It equally revealed that all (100 % ) the respondents were married with about 55.7 % spending between 11- 12 years in school. Table 1 further revealed that 42.9, 35.2 and 14.3 % respectively of the respondents were farmers, traders and civil servants respectively. About fifty- seven percent of the respondents had household size of 4 – 6 persons. Table 1 further 154

Table 1. Distribution of the Respondents According to Socio- economic Characteristics.

S/NO Variables Frequency Percentage 1 Age in years 18 – 29 15 10.79 31 – 41 25 17.86 42 – 53 40 28.57 54 – 65 50 35.71 66 – and above 10 7.14 2 Marital Status Married 140 100 Widowed 20 14.29 Divorced /separated 10 7.14 3 Years of Schooling No formal schooling 8 5.71 5 years 4 2.86 5 - 10 years 28 20.00 11 – 15 years 50 35.71 16 - 20 years 30 21.43 21 - and above 20 14.29 4 Primary Occupation Farming 60 42.86 Trading 50 35.71 Civil Servant 20 14.29 House wives 2 1.43 Others 18 12.86 5 Household Size 1 - 3 persons 40 28.57 4 - 6 persons 80 57.14 7 – and above 20 14.29 6 Religion Christianity 140 100 Traditional - - Others - - 7 Monthly Income N18,000 – N36,000 20 14.29 N37,000 – N55,000 30 21.43 N56,000 – N84,000 50 35.71 N85,000 – N103,000 30 21.43 N104,000 and above 10 7.14 8 Membership to organizations Yes 100 71.43 No 40 28.57 9 Place of Birth Ibeku 70 50.00 Abia 40 28.57 Other places 30 21.43 10 Mobile Phones Yes 138 98.57 No 2 1.43 11 Leadership Positions Yes 80 57.14 No 60 42.86 Source; Field Survey August 2013. 155

Table 2. Distribution of the Respondents According to Channel of Information Dissemination for ‘’August Meeting’’.

Variables Frequency Percentage % 1 Thro. Town Crier 130 92.86 2 Thro. Gongs 120 85.70 3 Thro. Neigbours 135 96.42 4 Thro. Face- to- face 125 89.29 5 Thro. Churches 120 85.70 6 Thro. Other Groups 130 92.86 7 Thro. Televisions 10 7.14 8 Thro. Radios 80 57.14 9 Thro. Circulars 100 71.43 10 Thro. ‘’Egwu’’ 135 96.42 11 Thro. Phone Calls 80 57.14 12 Thro. Text Messages 70 50.00 13 Thro. Newspapers 10 7.14 14 Thro. Posters 80 57.114 15 Thro. Bill- boards 70 50.00 16 Thro. Internet 0 0

Source; field data august 2013  Multiple responses recorded.

revealed that all ( 100 % ) the respondents were Christians, while 57.1 earned between N37,000 – N84,000 as monthly income. A very high proportion ( 71.4 % ) of the respondents were members of other social groups. Table 1 equally revealed that 50 % of the women who participated in the 2013 ‘’August Meeting ‘’ were born and married in Ibeku, while 28.6 % were born in Abia State and married in Ibeku, while 21.4 % were women born elsewhere other than Ibeku and Abia State and married in Ibeku. Table 1 revealed that a very high proportion ( 98. 6 %) of the respondents owned mobile phones and 57.1 % had held leadership positions. The implications of the socio- economic characteristics of the respondents as revealed in Table 1 were that the respondents were literate enough and better disposed for group interactions, awareness creation and the pursuit of voice for women in the study area.

Channel of Information Dissemination for „‟August Meeting‟‟

Table 2 revealed that a very high proportion ( 96.4 % ) of the respondents ranked neighbours and ‘’ Egwu branches’’ as the most popular channels for information dissemination on august meeting in the study area. It equally, revealed that about 92.9 % of the respondents ranked the use of town criers and other social groups in the area 2nd among the channels of information dissemination on august meeting. About, 89.3 % of the respondents ranked face – to – face 3rd among the channels for information dissemination on august meeting while, 85.7, 71.4, 57.1, 50 % respectively of the respondents ranked the use of gongs, churches, circulars, radios, phone calls, posters, text messages, and bill- boards 4th ,4th ,6th and ,7th respectively as channels of information dissemination for august meeting in the study area (Table 2). About, 7.1 % of the respondents ranked the use of televisions and newspapers 8th respectively as channels for information dissemination on august meeting. The use of the internet was not yet employed as channels for information dissemination on august meeting in the study area (Table 2). The implications of the findings as revealed in Table 2 are that the channels for ‘’August Meeting’’ have not yet employed so much most of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools even at this era of ICTs. The finding is in-line with Odame (2005) who observed that women significantly lag behind men in their access to use and production of ICTs.

„‟August Meeting‟‟ Activities As Perceived by Members.

Table 3 revealed that socialization and political voice were ranked 1st with mean of 3.36 as activities engaged in during ‘’August Meeting’’. Cultural displays and entertainment, spiritual upliftment, HIV/AIDs and Family planning, mobilization, communiqué, home management, networking and sanitation were ranked 2nd, 3rd, 4th ,5th ,and 6th respectively with mean scores of 3.14, 2.93, 2.86, 2.71, and 2.64 respectively as activities that women engage in during august meeting. 156

Table 3. Distribution of the Respondents According to Activities Engaged in During ‘’August Meeting’’

ACTIVITIES S/A (4pts) A (3points) N/ S/ A (2pts) N /A (1pt.) Total Mean Ranks Socialization 80 30 30 - 470 3.36 1st Networking 30 50 60 - 370 2.64 6th Mobilization 40 40 60 - 400 2.86 4th Fund Raising 10 10 20 100 210 1.50 8th Spiritual up-liftment 50 60 30 - 440 3.14 2nd Sanitation - 90 50 - 370 2.64 6th Conflict resolution 10 70 50 10 360 2.57 7th Home management 30 50 40 20 370 2.64 6th HIV /AIDs and 40 50 50 - 410 2.93 3rd Family planning Cultural Display/ 60 40 40 - 440 3.14 2nd Entertainment Political Voice 60 70 10 - 470 3.36 1st Communiqué 40 40 40 20 380 2.71 5th

Source: Field data august 2013 *S/A = Strongly Agreed scored 4points, * A = Agreed scored 3points, * N / S /A = Not Strongly Agreed scored 2points, * N / A = Not Agreed scored 1point, Decision rule : Any mean score that is ≥ 2.5 is regarded significant, while any other mean score that is < 2.5 is regarded not significant

Conflict resolution ranked 7th with a mean score of 2.57 while fund raising ranked 8th with a mean score of 1.5 (Table 3 ). The implications of the findings in Table 3 are that it was only fund raising that is not significant out of 12 activities women in the study area engaged into during their august meeting. This reflects the high poverty levels of the women in the study area and Nigeria in general. This also, collaborates with UNDP (2004) which reported that approximately 80 % of the population of Nigeria live in extreme poverty 70 % were estimated to be women. The formula for Mean is represented as follows;

Mean = Χ =Σf/n (1) Where, X = MEAN, Σf = summation of frequencies, n = number of observations.

2 2 Formula for the Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient Γs = 1 – 6ΣD / n(n – 1) (2) Where, Γs = Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient, ΣD2 = Squared differences between ranked pairs, n = number of observations.

Implication of „‟August Meeting‟‟ for Rural Development.

Table 4 revealed that fund raising , HIV/AIDs and family planning, cultural displays/ entertainment, mobilization, and political voice respectively were ranked 1st, 2nd , 3th ,and 4th respectively with the mean scores of 3.57, 2.86, 2.64, and 2.5 respectively as activities of august meeting that have direct link with rural development implications. These 5 activities out of 12 were significant, while socialization, networking, spiritual up –liftment, sanitation , conflict resolution, home management and communiqué were not significant with mean scores of 1.57, 1.36, 1.00, 1.86, 1.79, 2.00, and 1.42 as activities that do not have direct implications for rural development in the study area. The Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient which is positive and equals to 0.29 indicates that there is a strong relationship 157

Table 4. Implication of ‘’ August Meeting’’ for Rural Development.

Activities V /A (4pts.) A (3pts) N /V/ A (2pts) N/A (1pt.) Total Mean Ranks 1 Socialization - - 80 60 220 1.57 8th 2 Networking - - 50 90 190 1.36 10th 3 Mobilization 20 50 50 20 350 2.5 4th 4 Fund Raising 80 60 - - 500 3.57 1st 5 Spiritual up-liftment - - - 140 140 1.00 11th 6 Sanitation - 40 40 60 260 1.86 6th 7 Conflict resolution - 30 50 60 250 1.79 7th 8 Home management 20 20 40 60 280 2.00 5th 9 HIV / AIDs and Family 30 60 50 - 400 2.86 2nd planning 10 Cultural Displays/ 30 50 40 370 2.64 3rd Entertainment 20 11 Political voice 30 60 40 10 390 2.86 2nd 12 Communique - - 60 80 200 1.42 9th

Source : Field survey 2013.  V/A = Very Adequate scored 4points  A= Adequate scored 3points  N/ V/ A = Not Very Adequate scored 2points  N /A = Not Adequate scored 1point.  Decision Rule ; Any mean score that is ≥ 2.5 is regarded to be significant, while any mean score that is < 2.5 is regarded not significant.

between ‘’ August Meeting’’ and Rural Development. The finding conforms with Ekong (2010) who included these among others; self help agencies, and other social groups under institutional infrastructure of the rural development.

Limiting Factors to „‟August Meeting‟‟in Ibeku Egwu Assa.

Table 5 revealed that a very high proportion (96.4 % ) of the respondents indicated that the ‘’ August Meeting’’ was not registered neither with State nor with Local Government. About, 85.7 % of the respondents indicated that the ‘’August Meeting’’ had no fixed membership while, 96.4 % indicated that the fund raised in ‘’August Meeting’’ was never enough to execute their projects (Table 5). Table 5 revealed that 78.5 % of the respondents indicated that neither Government nor NGOs support the ‘’August Meeting’’ financially (Table 5). Table 5 equally, revealed that 71.4 % of the respondents indicated that the one week period for the ‘’August Meeting’’ activities every year was not enough for effective interactions. It was observed during FGD that Elites of Ibeku were hi-jacking the activities of ‘’August Meeting’’ towards personal interests other than the ones the women intended for. It was also highlighted during FGD discussants that the period of one week every year in the month of august set aside for ‘’August Meeting’’ is not enough for effective interactions. FGD and Participant Observation found out that the well to do members of the August Meeting always use the period to show off, while the class- distinction syndrome effects among members were very much observed. It was equally highlighted by FGD that the distribution of development projects among the ‘’Egwu’’ were not even

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The study revealed that the ‘’August Meeting’’ in Ibeku Egwu Assa ‘’ impact very positively on the women’s mobilization, socialization and interactions. The study also revealed that the Ibeku Women’s August Meeting was not registered neither with the Local Government nor with that of State. It was found out through the study that no Governments or NGOs assisted the women of Ibeku August Meeting members finically. The study revealed that Ibeku Women’s ‘’August Meeting’’ has rural development implications with Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient equals to 0.29. The study revealed that the ‘’August Meeting’’ of Ibeku Women was a very great occasion for display of Women’s cultural heritage of Ibeku Land. The study therefore, recommends that Ibeku Women’s August Meeting should be recognized by both State and Local Governments. The organization should be encouraged and supported by both Governments and NGOs since it has been identified as the major source of women’s mobilization and channel for voice. 158

Table 5. Limitation of ‘’August Meeting ‘’

S/No Factors Frequency Percentage 1 Is the ‘’August Meeting’’ registered? Yes 5 3.57 No 135 96.42 2 Is the leadership of ‘’August Meeting’’ democratic Yes 120 85.70 No 20 14.29 3 Is the period for August Meeting enough for effective interactions? Yes 10 7.14 No 130 92.86 4 Do Governments and NGOs support August meeting financially? Yes 30 21.43 No 110 78.57 5 Do you have fixed membership in the August Meeting? Yes 20 14.29 No 120 85.70 6 Do you always raise enough fund for your projects during August Meeting? Yes 5 3.57 No 135 96.42 7 Do you have fixed venue for your August Meeting? Yes 60 42.86 No 80 57.14

Source : Field survey 2013.

REFERENCES

Ekong EE. (2010). Rural Sociology (3rd Ed) Dove Educational publishers, Uyo, Nigeria pp. 1 – 425. Ekong EE (2008).Contributions of women to National Development: Example from Akwa Ibom State: J. Kamla-Raj Stud Home comm. Sci. 2 (2): 113 – 119 Idongesit E (2007). Harnessing the Socio-Economic Potentials of Rural Nigeria’’ The Role of Rural Women Associations In proceeding of the 5th Annual Congress of Nigeria Rural Sociological Association ( NRSA) ‘’Unlocking the Agricultural and Rural Development Potentials of Nigeria’’ 6th – 7th November 2006 Ado Ekiti. National Population Commission (NPC) (2006). A Blueprint of 2006 National Census Abuja, Nigeria. Nneoyi, I. O; M. N, Henry; A. M; Walter and E.E, Ebingha (2008) ‘’ Group Dynamics and Technology use among female cassava farmers in Akpabuyo Local Government Area Cross River State, Nigeria. Obasi OO., (2005) Women in Rural Areas: Nigerian Experience. In Nwachukwu I., and Onuekwusi GO (eds) Agricultural Extension and Rural Sociology Enugu Snap Press Ltd. Obinna LO., and Chukwu GO. (2013).’ Women in Community Development: A case Study of Chinyereugo Age Group in Abia State, Nigeria. Int. J.Appl. Res. Technol., (3) 23 – 29, Odame HH (2005). Gender and ICTs for Development: Setting the context in Gender and ICTs for Development; A Global Sourcebook- critical Reviews and Annotated Bibliographic services: Published by ICT. The Netherlands Oxfarm G.B.P 13-23. United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) (2004). Gender Mainstreaming: Key Driver of Development in Environment and Energy. USAID (2004). A strategy to Development of Agriculture in Sub- Saharan Africa and A focus for the World Bank, paper No. 203 Africa Technical Department Series. pp. 83 – 90. 159

Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient

S/No Factors „‟August Meeting‟‟ Rural Development D D2 1 Socialization 1st 8th -7 49 2 Networking 6th 10th -4 16 3 Mobilization 4th 4th 0 0 4 Fund Raising 7th 1st 6 36 5 Spiritual Up- liftment 2nd 11th -9 81 6 Sanitation 6th 6th 0 0 7 Conflict Resolution 7th 7th 0 0 8 Home management 6th 5th 1 1 9 HIV/AIDs AND Family Planning 3rd 2nd 1 1 10 Cultural Displays/ Entertainment 2nd 3rd - 1 1 11 Politcal Voice 2nd 3rd - 1 1 12 Communique 5th 9th -4 16 202

2 rs = 1- 6ΣD 2 Γs = 1- 6ΣD = 6(202) /12( 12x12 – 1)= 1212/ 1716 = 1 – 0.706 = 0.29 The Spearman’s Correlation Coefficient = 0.29 is positive which indicates that there is a very strong relationship between ‘’August Meeting’’ and rural development.