.

Haoua Boubacar Akali – University of Abdou Moumouni, Niamey

Encuentra la versión en español:

For a long time, African societies were organised and based on a certain number of structured corporate functions, with hereditary trades that belong to a social caste, like butchery. In addition, when we observe these African societies, we notice that women have very little chance of working even in traditional trades. These inequalities place individuals at different levels of the social hierarchy. Thus, grilling meat is an activity reserved for butchers who are well-known professionals in Niger’s society. It is an exclusively masculine trade based largely on a system of techniques and skills.

Niamey, the capital of Niger, is home to 40% of the country’s urban dwellers and the main administrative and economic activities. It also bears all the covetousness of modern life. This urban vitality has aroused considerable interest among both men and women, who are specialised in meat processing. Although tradition persists, women are pro-active and manage to juggle between social taboos and economic dependence. How does urbanisation transform food habits? What type of supply and demand is there for processed meat in Niamey? How do women seek a place for themselves in an environment already occupied by men?

This study is based on surveys of vendors of prepared meat, old butchers and head butchers. The research was complemented by a considerable amount of documentation. The findings show that Niamey is where this activity has developed because of the high demand. Most of the people surveyed had inherited the trade and the fact that women specialised in meat processing was induced by urbanisation. However, men still have the monopoly over certain meat grills. This differentiation is the same as that observed in relation to the type of clients that frequent the vendors.

Key words: Niamey, butchers, woman, man, meat