WOMEN AND TRADE IN THE NIGERIA-BIAFRA WAR: FOCUS ON UMU-OWELLE CLAN, 1967-1970.

Abstract

The Nigeria-Biafra war, which commenced on July 6, 1967 and terminated on January 15, 1970 presented tremendous challenge to Umu-owelle women. The challenges ranged from targeted attacks, displacements, rape, starvation to abduction. The women were therefore faced with the challenges of reviving the economy so as to generate more resources to cushion the effects of the war. In response to these challenges, they took to the bush transacting trade under mahogany and Iroko tree to avoid aerial detection by the Nigeria aircraft and also in frontline trade popularly called Ahia Attack. Through their efforts, the economy was revived to ensure food security not only to their immediate family but to the Umu-owelle society at large. However, how the war affected Umu-owelle women and trade transaction during the war, and how they tried to solve and survive the challenging situation has not been documented. The study therefore sought to unravel the activities of Umu-owelle women as it pertains to wars and economic insolvency. To this end, the Marxist feminist theory and the Socialist Feminist theory were employed. The paper relies mainly on primary sources and also secondary sources of data. Available data will be analyzed using qualitative research methodology. The work covers the four communities which make up Umu-owelle clan namely, Nimo, Abagana, Abba and Eziowelle and the study starts from 1967 and terminates in 1970. The paper suggests for lessons to be drawn from Umu-owelle women`s efforts in reviving the war-time economy, especially for the sake of good gender relations and, ultimately, gender equality