Family Disruption and Social Welfare Services: Evidence from Bauchi State, Nigeria.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65150/EP-jsshrs/V2E2/2026-02Keywords:
Family disruption; Social welfare services; Child well-being; Divorce; Poverty.Abstract
Family disruption remains a significant social challenge in Northern Nigeria, affecting children's developmental trajectories and social wellbeing. Despite governmental and non-governmental interventions, limited empirical evidence exists on the effectiveness of social welfare services in supporting affected families.
Objective: This study examined the role of social welfare services in supporting families experiencing disruption in Bauchi State, Nigeria, identifying primary victims, causative factors, and intervention effectiveness.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 197 respondents (68% female, 32% male) selected through stratified random sampling from three communities in Bauchi Local Government Area. Data was collected using structured questionnaires with validated Likert-scale items and analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Women and children constituted the primary victims of family disruption (86% agreement). Major causative factors included divorce (72% strong agreement), desertion (85% agreement), prolonged absence (65% agreement), and wrong basis of marriage (93% agreement). However, 79% of respondents reported inadequate access to government welfare services. Family disruption significantly correlated with child abuse (93% agreement) and poor academic performance (73% agreement). Respondents identified poverty alleviation (86% agreement) and cultural practice reform (53% strong agreement) as essential preventive measures.
Conclusion: Family disruption in Bauchi State disproportionately affects women and children, with limited social welfare service accessibility. Strengthening community-based support systems, poverty alleviation programs, and culturally appropriate interventions could enhance family stability.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Jamilu Yaya, Ibrahim Alkali, Magaji B. Suleman, Rabiu B. Bal, Lamaran A. Gamawa, Muhammad Waziri, Junaidu Abdulkadir, Abbas Ismail, Falmata Mukhtar, Murjanatu Malami, Aslam Idris, Adam Umar (Author)
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