Politics of predation: food distribution and women

Abstract

Emergent on the African conception of food as a significant human physiological need which in most cases defines poverty; this paper discussed the possibility of unique political participation based on the effectiveness of Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Within the context of these conceptual issues, women in traditional and contemporary Africa, having their core social roles as home-makers and food providers are likely major targets of food distribution. Food distribution in this context emphasizes aid programmes and vote buying (money for vote and food for votes). The paper examined the outcome of the need for and supply of food, by engaging the dualism that characterizes food distribution which has capacity to inhibit sustainable development and to perpetuate poverty. The perpetuation of poverty is conceptualized as a tool of; and for the political class in third world countries where, poverty is higher among women compared to other parts of the world. Poverty provides the fertile ground for making political gains out of the people, especially women who are largely politically marginalized and economically dependent.

Keywords: food programmes, household, needs, political participation, voting patterns