Abstract
Hausa land is blessed with
abundant water bodies in the forms of rivers, natural and man-made lakes, and
ponds. These water bodies are teeming with freshwater fish. The availability of
these fishery resources has led to the habitation of people whose main occupation
is harnessing these resources in Hausa land. These people are professionally
known as the Sarkawa. The Sarkawa's primary occupation is fishing
and hunting aquatic animals that inhabit the waters. The practice of
traditional healing is not alien to the Hausa people. It is an old practice
that was used even before the Hausa people came into contact with foreign
civilizations from the east or the west. In Hausa society, practitioners of
various traditional occupations play a pivotal role in the traditional
healthcare delivery system. They often resort to the use of herbs, such as
roots, bark, stems, and leaves, as some of the ingredients in their remedies.
Parts of animals are also used for the treatment of ailments and diseases. Fish
and fishery products also form part of the ingredients used in Hausa
traditional healing. This paper, therefore, seeks to explore the uses of fish
in Hausa's traditional healing practices. Through a survey, different
practitioners of traditional healing were sampled and interviewed to obtain
information from them regarding the usage of fish as medicine or as an
ingredient in the treatment of various ailments. This paper has revealed that
Hausa professional fishermen are knowledgeable in the use of fish as medicine for
the cure of diseases and ailments that afflict human beings. They also offer
their health services to those who seek their assistance
Keywords: Utilization, Fish, Hausa, Folk Medicine.
UTILIZATION OF FISH IN SOME HAUSA FOLK MEDICINE
By
Musa Fadama Gummi Ph.D
Department of Languages and Cultures,
Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria
email: gfmusa24@gmail.com
Phone: 07065635983
1.0 Introduction
The fish is an aquatic vertebrate whose
taxonomy is classified as Pisces. It is aquatic because its habitat is water.
Sometimes, fish are classified according to the type of water in which they
live. There is the marine fish, which thrives in the ocean, whose water is
saline in nature. There is also the brackish water fish, which has some element
of saline and fresh water in it. Some fish species are also found predominantly
in the brackish environment. This type of water is found in estuaries and
creeks. There are also freshwater fish, which inhabit the freshwater found in
upland rivers, lakes, ponds, and dams.
Hausa land is geographically located in
the hinterland. There is an absence of sea, estuaries, or creeks, as such, only
freshwater fish abound in its rivers and lakes. The drainage system in Hausa land
consists of rivers and streams that serve as tributaries to the river Niger,
which traverses several West African countries before it crosses into Nigeria
at Bahindi in Kebbi state. The notable rivers Rima and Kaduna are tributaries
that drain their water into the river Niger.
During the rainy season, available rivers
overflow with water, such that they overstretch their banks, which results in
the floodplain areas becoming flooded. The water collected lasts for months
even at the expiration of the rains. The plains flooded with water provide a
suitable breeding space for juvenile freshwater fishes due to their inherent
low current. This, therefore, provides an enabling environment for fishing as
an occupation to thrive in Hausa land.
The Sarkawa are professional fishermen
whose main occupation is fishing at any season of the year. Fishing apart, the
Sarkawa professional group also engages in providing services relating to
traditional healthcare delivery in Hausa society. Along with other ingredients
used in medication, fish are also utilized as part of the medication for the
treatment of ailments and diseases.
The main thrust of this paper, therefore,
is to explore the usage of fish and fishery products in the treatment and cure
of ailments in Hausa traditional healthcare delivery. It is, however,
worthwhile to delve into the definition of the key terms that make up the title
of the paper for proper elucidation.
2.0 Definition
of Terms
The key terms used in the formulation of the title of this paper need
to be looked at, more especially their meanings. This is done for clarity and
proper understanding of the topic under consideration. These terms are
explained below.
2.1 Utilization
The word means the usage of something as a means of accomplishing or achieving a
task. It may also mean to employ for some purpose.[1] As
used in the title of the paper, it connotes the exploitation, deriving,
employing applying or processing of fish and or its products as a means
of medication to treat ailments and diseases traditionally. In other words, it
is how fish is processed and utilized in various ways as a means to provide cure, succour and relief to a person suffering from some ailments or diseases.
2.2. Hausa
Hausa is a word that refers to both the people and the language of a people who originally inhabited Hausa land. In other words, the word connotes the people who are dwellers of Hausa land and native speakers of the language, Hausa. The Hausa
people are predominantly or majorly domiciled in the northwest part of Nigeria
and the southern part of the Niger Republic. The Hausas are also found in other
countries of West Africa in significant proportion. They inhabit countries like
Ghana, Cameroon, Chad and a host of others. The Hausa language is widely spoken in most West African countries. The Hausa people are a distinct group of
people that speak the Hausa language as their mother tongue and obey and practice the Hausa culture as their way of life. They are
largely known to be a people who strongly hold fast to their language and
culture.
2.3 Folk
Medicine
Folk medicine is also referred to as traditional medicine. The World
Health Organization has defined the term traditional medicine as the total of
the knowledge, skills, and practices based on the theories, beliefs, and
experiences indigenous to different cultures, whether explicable or not, used
in the maintenance of health as well as in the prevention, diagnosis,
improvement, or treatment of physical and mental illness. (Che, et al., 2017
P.15) Thus, traditional medicine means a way of
treating ailments and illnesses affecting either the human body or mind, which
is based on the beliefs, norms and aspirations that are indigenous or native to the people
who practice it. This is usually done through the
use of but not limited to herbs, water, ointments, oils and fats from different
sources,
2.4 Background
to Hausa Folk Medicine Providers
Before the Hausa man's contact with the outside civilization either
from the East or Western part of the globe, he has enshrined in his culture an
indigenous way of healing the sick. In Hausa society, apart from the native
doctors whose major means of livelihood is traditional medical practice, all
practitioners of the traditional occupations and crafts are custodians and also
engage in providing medical assistance as it relates to their trade. The fisher
folk, for instance, specialize in treating waterborne diseases. Professional
barbers undertake minor operations like circumcision, minor gynaecological
issues, and cupping, among others. The farmers are specialists in the treatment
of backache. The Hausa blacksmith specializes in providing medicine for burns
sustained through fire or hot substances. Professional hunters are known for
their in-depth knowledge of medicinal trees and shrubs due to the nature of
their craft, which entails frequenting the forest for hunting expeditions. They
provide medicines for those afflicted with illnesses caused by the spirits. The
adherents of the Bori cults also undertake the provision of cures and treatment
for patients who suffer from harmful spirits, which it is believed exist and
are capable of afflicting humans with various types of illnesses. The Malams
who practice ɗibb are also stakeholders in this regard. They make use of or apply
Islamic principles and methods of medicine to provide succour to clients who
may be ill or suffering from sickness. They employ the use of portions of the
Holy Scripture, the Quran, and lots of other ingredients to provide medicine
for the sick.[2]
2.5 The Use of
Fish in Hausa Medicine
The Hausa professional fishermen referred to
as ‘Sarkawa’ play a significant role
in the Hausa traditional health care delivery. They provide
medicines for several ailments, especially those having to do with water-borne
diseases. It is however worth noting that they offer treatment of certain other
ailments using fish or parts of it as an ingredient for the medication. They
help in the provision of concoctions to treat certain ailments and fish or its
part form the major ingredient for its formulation. Below are instances where
fish is used as a means of medication.
2.5.1 Treatment
for Ear and Eye Diseases
The ear and eye are parts of the human body responsible for the
sense of hearing and vision. When the ear is afflicted with a disease, it
sometimes results in a feeling of burning sensation or feeling of excruciating pain around its inner part. If proper medication is not sought
after by the patient, it begins to discharge fluid in the form of pus. This if
left untreated may result in hearing impairment in the affected ear. The eye
when affected by a disease becomes reddish and sometimes discharges fluids
frequently. The person afflicted with distaste direct eye contact with the brightness
of light most especially at night. The Sarkawa who are professional fishermen
usually offer traditional medication for ailing ears or eyes through the use of
fish. Some of them use yauni a fish species
known as gymnarchus niloticus or the African knifefish. The part of the fish one requires for the medication is the tail which is rat type
comparatively. The tail is cut and sun-dried. It is soaked in water and left
for hours. It is then picked from the water and used to drip the water into the
affected ear or the eye. This is repeated twice per day until the symptoms disappear.[3]
The fishermen’s philosophical thought behind the usage of the
medicine is the belief they hold that though the fish has no ears in its
visible physical features, its hearing ability is so sharp that it responds
spontaneously to any sound or threat. Its protruding eyes are always viewed by
the fishermen as perfect with no defects and its ability to sight threats from
a far. To them, the fish must have been endowed with certain elements of
substances that allow it the sharp ability to hear and sight instinctively.
When this is applied to the human body, it is likely to produce the desired
effects.
2.5.2 Remedy for Nyctalopia (Night Blindness)
Nyctalopia is a
condition characterized by an abnormal inability to see in dim light or at
night, typically caused by vitamin A deficiency.[4] It
is a sort of vision impairment which results in a patient’s inability to visualize at
night or in low light. Experts have asserted that one of its causative agents
may be a lack of or deficiency in vitamin A intake in the body. Whatever the
cause might be, the Hausa fishermen provide a remedy for the ailment. They
resort to the use of tilapia kafala or
gargaza in the medication. What they traditionally require the patient to
do in the first instance is to consume the adult tilapia fish in one’s diet, as
it is greatly believed to contain nutrients that enhance
vision. Additionally, the patient is instructed to sun-dry the head of the
tilapia fish. It is then crushed or ground into powder. Every evening, a bit of
the substance is burnt in live amber. The emanating smoke is allowed to pass
around the eyes of the patient. This is repeated severally every evening until
recovery is achieved[5].
Another treatment for nyctalopia as provided by the Hausa fishermen
is the consumption of grilled liver of fish species called balli, African Bony Tongue, scientifically known as Heterotis niloticus. The
grilled liver is to be eaten
while it is steamy. This is done repeatedly until one’s vision normalizes. The idea behind the usage of the fish liver
for medication is the firm belief they have in its nutrient contents and its
efficacy noticed through usage over time.
2.5.3 Treatment
for Blurred Vision
Blurry vision is a condition where a person becomes unable to see
or vision. The person
affected by this condition begins to see or view objects indistinctly. Aside from diabetes, stroke,
and low blood sugar, to mention but a few, the causes of blurred vision, may
also be age-related, brought about by degeneration of the macula. The macula is
the round area in the middle of the retina, at the back of one’s eyeball.[6] This
is the area that functions to enable one to see or view objects sharp and clear.
To remedy the condition of blurry eye vision, the Hausa professional fishermen
prescribe to the afflicted person to increase the intake of fish in his daily
diet. The consumption of fish, most especially uri/giwan ruwa Nile perch known scientifically as lates niloticus
is highly recommended. The philosophical idea behind their prescription is that
Nile perch has a high concentration of protein and amino acids suitable for
improving vision in old age. The person is also instructed to obtain the eye of a Nile perch. Allow it to sun dry and grind into powder. Its fine
powder is then applied to the lower eyelid, the same way an eyeliner is applied.
This is repeatedly applied morning and evening until the desired result is met.[7] The philosophy behind the medication is the notion they hold that late notices
is almost the giant of all the freshwater fishes that inhabit the waters of
Hausa land and while in its habitat, it can see distinctly its prey and can view any predator or danger from afar. As such its eye must have
certain sighting properties which enhance its powerful vision. When substances obtained
from a dried eye are applied to a defective human eye, a positive impact will
be derived by enhancing and improving vision.
2.5.4 Treatment
for Skin Infection
The professional Hausa fishermen called Sarkawa hold the belief that one of the waterborne diseases is
caused by swimming or bathing in a stagnant pond which results in infection of
the human skin. The person experiences irritation and serious itching in the
affected area most especially the hands and the legs. While scratching the
affected part, it becomes inflamed at times with rashes emanating therefrom. Traditionally,
the Hausa fishermen treat this ailment by the use of fishery substances. One of
their medication encompasses the usage of the peeled scales of uri/giwar ruwa known as Nile perch. The
scales are burnt into ashes and mixed well with man shanu, and cow butter. The cream is then applied to the
affected part after washing the area with soap. This is repeated every morning
and evening until remedied. However, if Nile perch is not available, the scales
of Balli, an African bony tongue
scientifically called heterotis niloticus can be a substitute.[8]
Another medication that the fishermen offer for the treatment of
itchy and irritating skin is the fatty oil obtained from the liver of talibamban known in English as the
puffer fish or the balloon fish, scientifically referred to as tetraodontidae
fahaka. This is the fish that when frightened, gets itself inflated with air in
the like manner of a balloon. It does this to frighten its predators and ward
off enemies. The liver of the fish is obtained and boiled. The fatty oil
extract from the liver is then strained. The oil is applied to the affected
part until the ailment is cured.
2.5.5 Use of
Fish to Treat Abdominal Pain
Stomach pain is a condition in which the
sufferer experiences excruciating pain around the
stomach region or the abdomen. The causes of mild abdominal pain may include
among others, constipation, food allergies, overeating, food poisoning, stress,
etc. However, at certain times, its causative agents may be more serious, as it
may likely be a result of an underlying disease affecting the body. These
diseases may include appendicitis, bowel blockage, cancer and a host of others.
For the treatment of mild abdominal pain, the Hausa fishermen utilize fish
especially its organs, to find remedy. What is provided as medication is the
water in which the gallbladder[9] of
tarwaɗa, known in English as mudfish or clarias spp. as it is known
scientifically. The gallbladder of the fish is removed and allowed to sun dry.
Whenever it is to be put into use as a medication for stomach pain, it is
soaked in a small bowl of water for a while. It is removed from the bowl and
the water is served to the patient to drink. The philosophy behind its usage as
medicine is the fact that it contains a substance (the bile) that is naturally
bitter. The Hausa people generally believe that bitter substances have the
efficacy to remedy abdominal pain.[10]
It is however not advisable for one to be cautious not to frequent the
consumption of bitter substances as it has side effects.
2.5.6 Treatment for Hypogalactia
Hypogalactia in breastfeeding women means low
milk supply. It is also called lactation insufficiency. It is the production of
breast milk in daily volumes that do not fully meet the
nutritional needs of her infant.[11] Hypogalactia also called hypogalactorrhea refers to a condition
in which a lactating mother produces not enough breast milk on which her baby feeds. In other
words, a mother cannot produce sufficient breast milk that will sustain the
nutritional needs of her baby. It is a low milk supply from the mammary glands
of a breastfeeding mother which results in a lack of enough milk for the suckling child. It has
been proven that lack of or deficiency in micronutrients and hormone imbalance
are among the factors that cause the condition. The Hausa fishermen believe
that if the condition of sufficient lactation is caused by inadequate
micronutrients in the lactating mother’s body, then intake of
fishery products will certainly remedy the condition. They therefore prescribe
the preparation and consumption of either medium size or a more sizeable mud fish tarwaɗa known as claria spp. The fish shouldn’t be
smoked but be cooked along with spicy ingredients like clove, kanunfuri garlic tafarnuwa, alligator pepper, ɗiyan yaji, and ginger citta. The fish is prepared to make a spicy soup and the
lactating mother is encouraged to consume both the fish and the soup. This they believe, remedies the condition if consumed for several days. The fish is
rich in amino acids and other nutrients capable of stimulating the mammary
glands to produce optimally, sufficient milk for the baby. The spicy
ingredients included in cooking the soup are traditionally believed to be very
effective as stimulants in the production of milk if often consumed moderately by a
lactating mother.[12]
2.5.7 Use of Fish As Aphrodisiac
An aphrodisiac is a substance alleged to increase libido, sexual
desire, sexual attraction, sexual pleasure or sexual behaviour.[13] Sexually active
adult males are sometimes faced with the problem of low sexual
libido or desire to engage in sexual activity with one’s spouse. Many factors
may be attributed to the causative agents of the anomaly. The Hausa professional fishermen attribute urinary
tract infections as one of the causative agents. They therefore offer herbal medicine to cure the problem
affecting the urinary tract. Furthermore, they believe that the consumption of
fish provides one with the stamina and vigour that helps adults become very active in sexual activity. The
person with low sexual libido is encouraged to frequently consume spicy soup
prepared with juvenile Nile perch or in the alternative, juvenile tilapia fish
which is an area that will in turn result in sustained erection. It also
reduces the feeling of fatigue and weakness which follows as an aftermath of
sexual activity.
2.5.8 Treatment
for Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to get and keep an erection
firm enough for sex.[14]
In other words, it is the failure of a male person to achieve a strong erection
of his sex organ sustainable enough to allow the occurrence of sexual activity
with one’s spouse. In essence, it is the poor erection of the male sex organ in
such a way that sexual activity with one’s spouse becomes practically
impossible or the erected organ shrinks before the attainment of pleasurable
moments associated with sexual activity. To a good number of Hausa fishermen
interacted, the problem may be associated with the inadequate follow of blood
to the penile area. This they opined, might be caused by the patients’ non-intake
of a proper diet rich in nutrients as can be obtained in fishery products. Infection of the urinary tract is also presumably
taken to be a factor inhibiting proper erection. They therefore treat urinary
tract infections alongside the medication for the correct flow of blood into the
penile veins. To remedy this anomaly in the traditional way as practised by the
Hausa fishermen, they encourage the patient to very often include in his diet
intake, the consumption of fish. This they believe will go a long way in
improving penile erection. Several plants are also utilized to cook soup in
which fish and other spices form the ingredients. The recipe for preparation of
the concoction involves one getting the roots of gauɗe, gardenia equally together with Sabara, guiera
senegalensis and roots of the grass damage,
chrozophora
senegalensis. All these are thoroughly washed to remove sand particles. The
bark of kaiwa/kanya, diospyros
mespiliformis and ƙirya, Prosopis africana is also obtained and washed
thoroughly. All the herbs are boiled in a pot and the concoction is then strained
and used in cooking the clarias or mud fish, using spices. When the soup is
ready, the patient is required to eat the
whole of the fish and the soup. This is repeated for onwards of five to eight
days.[15]
The philosophical thought behind this is the roots bark of the plants are tough
and strong due to their genetic composition and such will not only make an impact
in improving the erection of the sexual organ but will certainly also cure
underlying ailments if any. The fish will provide the necessary nutrients that
will improve the vigour and virility of the penis.
2.5.9 Treatment
for Malnutrition in Children
According to the online Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, malnutrition
is physical weakness and bad health caused by having little food, or too little
of the types of food necessary for good health. Malnutrition in children
may therefore mean the inability of the child to feed on a diet suitable to his
health and well-being. This invariably suggests that even if a child eats regularly
but the food taken does not have the much-needed nutrients contents to ensure
the health and well-being of the child, he is said to be malnourished. The
child may appear frail and weak and sickly too. The Hausa artisanal fishermen
offer a solution to an infant suffering from malnutrition. The medium or big size of the tarwaɗa known by its English name mud
fish or its
scientific name clarias spp is gotten and smoked. It is allowed to be fully sun-dried
so that it is ground after removing its bones. Bambara nuts are also ground into fine
flour. Groundnut is also ground along with a small quantity of
maize or millet. All the ingredients mentioned are
then mixed and used to prepare hot gruel. Malnourished children will very often
be fed from the gruel prepared. Within a short while, the child will begin to
recuperate from the ailment.[16]
2.5.10 Use of
Fish as Repellant for Snakes in Houses
The majority of the Hausa population is mostly agrarian, especially
the dwellers of towns and villages. Even if they engage in other trades occupations different from farming, it
will be more prominent in the dry season which runs from October to May. During
the rainy season, May to October however, their attention turns towards
farming. They also partake in rearing domestic animals like goats, sheep and free-range
poultries. The bye products of cultivated products are taken home and used as
fodder for the animals kept. This could be in the form of stalks and hay from
groundnuts and cowpeas. Bundled and packaged items kept on the farm before being
taken home may provide hiding places for the reptiles like the snake. Through
this, unwanted visitors are unknowingly brought into the homes. They find
shelter in holes, suck away and chambers of toilets and latrines, or even
sometimes in the living areas. To average Hausa fishermen, fish bones when
burnt in the home provide an excellent repellant for the marauding reptiles. It
is believed that snakes abhor the odour emanating from the smoke of burnt fish
bones. It therefore quickly leaves if it frequently smells the odour. It is
therefore encouraged that bones from eaten fish should not be thrown away for
it may constitute danger if trampled upon unknowingly when barefooted.
Alternatively, it is more beneficial to burn it in live amber for the value
derivable from the practice.
3.0 Research
Findings
The issue of knowledge of traditional or folk
medicine as far as Hausa Culture is concerned is beclouded with secrecy as the knowledge is
passed mostly from parents to children. Even at this, not every is opportune to possess the knowledge. It is
often disclosed only to the most preferred or favourite child who exhibits total
submission and dedication towards the parents and consistently shows his
inclination towards possessing the knowledge by being persistent in asking
questions to the parents with regards to the knowledge and skills of the
traditional medicine endowed in the family. At certain times, this may not be
the only enough reason for the child to be given the knowhow. There is the
belief that for traditional medicine to be very potent, a reward must be given
out whether for its acquisition or application, which hitherto could be in
monetary form or kind. This is therefore one of the reasons why sometimes elderly
people knowledgeable in traditional healing art go to the great beyond with their
knowledge unharnessed.
Despite the difficulty associated with accessing knowledge of folk
medicine by a person strange to some of the people interacted with in the course
of the research, this work has successfully collected a reasonable number of
the medical practices imbibed by Hausa professional fishermen in providing
alternative medical care to their immediate family and those members of their
society who when afflicted with the medical problems, seek solace in them, for a
solution to their predicament.
This paper has successfully found out that in Hausa medical practice, the use of fish is paramount as far as it concerns the fishing folk who traditionally play an important role in the Hausa traditional health care delivery. It has brought to the bare; some ways by which fish or its substances are utilized for medical purposes. These range from medical issues of the eye, and the skin, issues of malnutrition in children, lactating mothers’ inability to produce breast milk sufficiently enough to cater for the feeding needs of their baby, the issue of low libido in sexually active male individuals and the monster of erectile dysfunction. The paper has shown that these problems are not insurmountable as far as the traditional medical practice of the Hausa professional fishermen is concerned.
Conclusion
This research has therefore attempted to document the knowledge of the Hausa professional fishermen’s use of fish or its substances in the traditional way to serve as medication for certain ailments. This we believe is helpful as the knowledge of their practices is saved for the use of posterity. Secondly. the paper has paved the way for pharmacognosists to engage in further research into the medications to determine appropriately, the composition of the medicines in terms of the presence of harmful substances or otherwise and a further confirmation of its efficacy and the right doses to be taken for better results if found worthwhile. It is the firm belief of this paper that if this is done, affordable and accessible alternative medical services will be brought to the doorsteps of the downtrodden mass population.
References
Amiegheme, P. (2008) ‘The Importance of Fish in
Human Nutrition.’ A Paper delivered at a Fish Culture Forum, Federal Department
of Fisheries, Abuja.
Billy, A.P.(2000). “A Survey of Traditional
Values of Fish in Some Selected
Fishing
Villages in Sokoto State.” Post Graduate Diploma Project, Fisheries Dept.
U.D.U, Sokoto.
Bunza, A.M. (1995). “Maha]in Magungunan
Gargajiya” , Research Paper, Usmanu [anfodiyo University,
Sokoto.
Bunza, A.M. (1995) “Magani A Rubuce: Nazarin
Ayyukan Malaman Tsibbo’’ PhD Thesis,
Department
of Nigerian Languages, Bayero University, Kano.
Ehinmore, O.M., Ogunode, S.A. (2013) “Fish in Indigenous
Healing Practices Among the Ilaje Coastal
Yorubaland of Nigeria: A Historical Perspective.” in European Scientific
Journal Vol.9,
No.14. PP 196- 206.
Fadama, M.G. (2015). ‘Sarkanci A Gundumar
Sakkwato’ Ph. D Thesis, Department of Nigerian Languages.
Usmanu Ɗanfodiyo University, Sokoto.
Hambali, M.J. (1990) Maganin Gargajiya na
Afirka. Gaskiya Corporation, Zaria, Nigeria.
Hamza, M.W. (1986) “Kamancin Cuta ko Bu}ata ga
Yanayin Magungunan Hausawa” Journal of the Department of Nigerian languages,
Bayero University, Kano.
Mai-Musa, M. (1996) Traditional Beliefs and
Medicinal Uses of Fish in, Some Selected Villages Around
Kainji Lake Basin. H.N.D. The project, Federal College of Freshwater Fisheries Technology, New Bussa.
Okpewho, I. (1983) Myth in Africa A Study of
its Aesthetic and Cultural Relevance Cambridge University
Press, London.
Oto, J. Achan, O.M. (2009) “Traditional
Medicine and Health Care Delivery in Rural Nigeria. in Nigeria
Journal of Indigenous Knowledge and Development. Pp1-180
Reed, W., Bouchard J., Hopson, A.J., Jennes J.
Yaro, I. (1967) Fish and Fisheries of
Northern Nigeria.
Ministry of Agriculture, Northern Nigeria.
Shehu, M. (2013) “Dabbobon Ruwa A Maha]in Magungunan Gargajiya” Mu}alar Da Aka A Sashen Harsunan Nijeriya, UDU Sokoto, Alhamis, 28/02/13.
List of People
Interviewed
1. Alhaji Maibirgi Falam of Illelar Auwal ward of Gummi Local
Government, Zamfara state.
2. Bala Mairuwa Barga of Barga village in Tambawal Local Government
of Sokoto state.
3. Sahabi Ƙardaji of Falale ward, Gummi Local Government, Zamfara state.
4. Bala Mairuwa Romon Sarki of Romon Sarki village of Tambawal
Local Government Sokoto state.
5. Malam Sani Mujahid of Gayari ward, Gummi Local Government,
Zamfara state.
6. The Homa of Argungu, Homa Muhammadu Bashar Argungu, Kebbi state
7. Malam Manu Bunza, Sarkin Rowan Bunza, Kebbi state.
8. Alhaji Garba Nda, the Sarkin ruwa of Yauri Kebbi state and
Agwara, Niger state.
9. Fadama Auwal, Fadaman Ƙurfa, Gummi Local Government Zamfara
state.
10. Fadama Sa’idu, Fadaman Gummi Zamfara state,
[1] Oxford Avanced Learner’s Dictionary
New 9th Edition. Page 1724.
[2] For
detail discussion of this see Bunza, M.A. (1989) and Bunza, M.A. (1995), Sarkin
Gulbi, A. (2014)
[3] The information is sourced through
various interview with numerous professional fishermen at different times and
locations. They include Alhaji Maibirgi Falam, of Illela Auwal ward, Gummi
Local Government, Zamfara state. Bala Mairuwa Barga of Tambawal Local
Government of Sokoto State, and a host of others.
[4] This
is a Dictionary definition sourced
online from Oxford languages through google.
[5] This medication is gotten from Malam Sahabi Ƙardaji, a harbadasher who I have severally interviewed at his residence in Ƙardaji village in Falale district of
Gummi Local Government, Zamfara state. The last interview I had with him was on
Saturday, 5th August, 2023.
[7] The information was sourced from a
professional fisherman and herbal practitioner, Bala Mairuwa Barga, Tambawal
local government, Sokoto state, in an interview conducted at his residence on
Saturday, 15/07/2023.
[8] This was obtained from Malam Bala
Mairuwa Romon Sarki during an interview held in his residence at Romon sarkin
of Tambawal Local Government, Sokoto state. It was held on Saturday, 15/07/2023
at noon. Bala Mairuwa is both de jure and de factor leader of fishermen of the
district of Romon Sarki.
[9] The Online Oxford Dictionary
defines gallbladder as a small sac-shaped organ beneath the liver in which bile
is stored after secretion by the liver and before release into the intestine.
[10] The information is sourced from an
interview with Malam Sani Mujahid Gayari. He is a professional fisherman who
possess enormous knowledge with regards artisanal fishing and the tradi-medical practices of
fisher folk. He was interviewed at his residence on Sunday, July 16th
July, 2023.
[11]
This definition is from Wikipedia http://en.m.wikipedia.org
[12] Same as footnote 9 above.
Additionally, this information was re echoed by the Homa of Argungu, Malam
Muhammadu Bashar, in an interview a had with in him at his family house in
Argungu, Kebbi state on Saturday, 1st June, 2023.
[13] The definition comes from http:
//en.m. Wikipedia.org accessed Saturday,
30/09/2023.
[14] For the definition and other
details, see Erectile dysfunction – symptoms and causes at
hhttp://www.mayoclimic.org
[15] The information was derived from an interview
with Sahabi Ƙardaji, Falale district of Gummi Local government,
Zamfara state. It was
conducted at his residence in Ƙardaji
village on Saturday, 5th August, 2023.
[16] This
information was obtain from two professional fishermen interviewed variously at
different time and location with slight variation in the submission. Malam Umaru Manu Bunza, the Sarkin ruwa of Bunza
town, Kebbi state. He was interviewed abaut twelve years ago. In a recent
interview, Malam Sahabi Ƙardaji
echoed the same explanation but included maize or millet among the ingridients
with the gruel is made. He was interviewed on 5th August, 2023.
0 Comments
ENGLISH: You are warmly invited to share your comments or ask questions regarding this post or related topics of interest. Your feedback serves as evidence of your appreciation for our hard work and ongoing efforts to sustain this extensive and informative blog. We value your input and engagement.
HAUSA: Kuna iya rubuto mana tsokaci ko tambayoyi a ƙasa. Tsokacinku game da abubuwan da muke ɗorawa shi zai tabbatar mana cewa mutane suna amfana da wannan ƙoƙari da muke yi na tattaro muku ɗimbin ilimummuka a wannan kafar intanet.