Marginalised groups and use of space
paralysis
EVENT
All groups highlighted two particular communities — groups that represent the most marginalised and this marginalisation shapes community use of space. Fulani people are traditionally cattle farmers — this means that they are fully engaged in farming activities (including raising livestock) and live on the margins to help protect the wider community from damage or illness caused by exposure to livestock, and for easy access to grasses for their cattle. This was noted by participants as an active choice among farmers — not forced through cultural norms. All wards noted that there are certain times of the year when Fulani people come into town, to sell their products, and during these times use space equally alongside others in the community.
It’s only the Older Women’s group 1)
most of us (Fulani man attested) stay near the bushes and farm lands because of the animals we rear, so that they cannot easily go into the community and destroy people’s things (Participant from Men’s group 2)Small numbers of Hausa tribe members also live on the outskirts of communities. They are often very poor, and cannot afford land of their own, or building materials. As such, land is often gifted to them by the district head, but this land is on the outskirts of the community, leading to experiences of marginalisation.Children were described as able to access any community spaces, as long as their safety/health was not placed at risk. For example, children were not allowed to be in places where they could be exposed to Jin (described as spiritual problems and possession that could lead to paralysis of hands/legs), including dirty places, graveyards, wells, or main roads.
like the traditional event men organized, children are not allowed to go there, children are not allowed to be seen at the main road, and also small children do not go to the graveyard and also playing close to river (Participant from Men’s group 2)
place like the grave yard, children are not allowed to play there, and also main road to avoid accident (Participant from Young women’s group 1)