INFORMATION NEED AND SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF FEMALE INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS AND EXPERIENCES OF SEXUAL GENDER BASED VIOLENCE IN BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper examined the information needs and seeking behaviour of female internally displaced persons and their experiences of Sexual Gender Based Violence in Borno State, Nigeria. This identified the various needs of female IDPs who have had experiences of SGBV. It also provides an understanding of the sources of information and ways in which female IDPs in Borno State seek for information. The sample for the study was drawn from three local governments: Gwoza, Kondunga and Monguno in Borno State. A quantitative research approach and descriptive research design was adopted in the study. Semi-structured questionnaire were used in process of data collection from the respondents. Descriptive statistics of mean (3.26 mean benchmark) and standard deviation were used in data. The findings of the study revealed that some of the most critical needs of female IDPs was accessing food for themselves and their families (3.32), security and protection (3.29), education (3.29), particularly for their children, Access to healthcare (3.25) and better accommodation (3.26). They expressed a desire for elementary/nursery school for toddlers. They also expressed need for
economic empowerment, particularly through small businesses like grinding machines, to support themselves and their families (3.19). The study found that their most preferred sources of information were consulting doctors and nurses at health centers, listening to radio and community representatives. In conclusion, the need to access food is seen as the most prominent need for which internally displaced women and girls require information. Thus, the correct identification of need and channel or sources of satisfying the need is important in order to record effective interventions. Government and nongovernment organisations must be committed to conducting frequent needs determination assessments of the target group.