The Extent of Polygamy in Africa, Any Role for the Information Professionals in Curbing Further Spread?

Abstract

This paper considers the impact of polygamy, which is lawful in several African jurisdictions, on women and to a lesser extent, children. Research has demonstrated that the implications of plural marriage vary according to the context in which it is practiced, but most reports suggest that the impact on women is negative rather than positive. Polygamy adversely affects a woman’s social status, economic position and health and as a consequence, the international community has criticized the practice. The paper concludes by considering the role of information professionals and their role to reduce, if not totally eradicate the act of polygamy in Nigeria.

Keywords: Polygamy, Impact on women, information professionals