Food Taboo: An Exposition of Fish Taboo in Hausa Cultural Practices

Fish and fishery products have been utilised as a food source, providing protein and amino acids that enhance human growth and development. This has, therefore, from time immemorial, made fish one of the essential ingredients necessary for the preparation of delicacies and dishes among the Hausa people. Fish consumption became paramount not only for its nutritive value but also because it is believed to be efficacious in the treatment of some ailments and diseases that afflict the human body. Despite its wholesomeness, fish as food has been avoided by a certain group of Hausa people due to their cultural beliefs and practices. It is therefore the thrust of this paper to examine the reasons behind the abhorrence of fish species as food among the Hausa people of Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, North-West Nigeria. A survey research methodology using one-on-one interviews with a sample of people who observe the culture of fish taboo both across and beyond the Hausa fisher folk residing in the riverine areas where fishing thrives was conducted. The area was selected because the major cuisine consumed in these areas is prepared with fish as an ingredient. The area was also characterized by high consumption of fish due to its abundance and affordability, year-round. The data collected showed that the reasons behind the avoidance of fish consumption in Hausa culture are not religious in nature but mostly related to cultural beliefs in the form of myths, which have no bearing on Islam, the predominant religion of these communities. This, therefore, forms the major reason that the prevalence of fish taboo is declining among a significant proportion of the younger Hausa population. The resultant effect of global warming, amongst others, significantly affects the volume of rainfall received in Hausa land. This has led to the overwhelming drying up of both natural and some man-made lakes, which consequently results in the fall of fresh fish supply and makes it too expensive, beyond the reach of most people. This has also, to some extent, affected the observance of the cultural practice amongst a certain population.