Social Inclusion of Widows in Rural Development Programmes (Delta State, Nigeria)

Resumen

This study was undertaken to assess the social inclusion of widows in rural development activities because of their importance in the culture of many African societies. It focuses particularly on Delta State in Nigeria. The results show that, within the framework of rural development programmes, most widows were highly socially included at both the local community and group levels. In addition to the important role of the rural development programmes, this positive inclusion in rural development was also influenced by the socio-economic attributes of these women. The ultimate result is that the widows have a higher than average welfare status. One of the recommendations emerging from the study is that it should be extended to more women in the same situation, in addition to improving their inclusion in rural development processes, since, as it is shown, many opportunities at different levels arise from this.