Begging in Ibadan, Southern Nigeria

Abstract

The social organization of migrant Hausa beggars from the North of Nigeria is described for Ibadan, capital of Western State, southern Nigeria. The beggars, all physically handicapped, are divided into sub-occupational associations on the basis of type of handicap. Beggars have a recognized role in Hausa communities, as evidenced by the turbaning of the chiefs of the begging associations by the chief of the Hausa quarter. Begging among the Hausa appears to be a cultural pattern resulting from the interaction of characteristic features of Hausa social organization and the doctrines of Islam with regard to charity. Whereas the Hausa do not stigmatize begging as an occupation, the Yoruba of southern Nigeria undoubtedly do. The influence of the structural conditions and climate of values within which contact between beggars and the Yoruba takes place is discussed as influencing the attribution of stigma. The implications for social policy are mentioned briefly.