book review deep economy

book review deep economy

PRE-COLONIAL Nigerian economy: dynamic or stagnant?

Introduction

It was considered by some Eurocentric writers that pre-colonial, the West African economy has stagnated and failed to stay true market situation before colonization UK. This argument stems lighting anthropological (substantivalist point of view) the main sector of the economy is essentially subsistence agriculture, which had in fact stalled following the application of simple techniques, without qualifications held. Production target is said to guarantee the existence human little or no change following Output1 limited. In this view, the industrial region of simple organisms and NGOs such that pre-colonial societies in West Africa lacked certain prerequisites necessary for a market economy and as such terms and Economic Theories should not be applied to explain his economic structure2.

The study aims to disentangle the pre-colonial economy, Indians of Nigeria, both in scope and structure, attempts to show that is dynamic and who possessed the true state of market high, given their characteristics. The study is divided into three main segments – features general economic framework, the structure of the economy pre-colonial Nigeria and the economic justification of pre-colonial Nigeria as a dynamic economy and market oriented. A market economy is one in which decentralized decision making, namely market issues are mainly determined by market forces, namely supply and demand. This is different from the planned economy in which decision making is decentralized and controlled by an authority 3. In any economic system, there are three basic economic functions, regardless of the nature the type and level of government or economy4. These are what and how much to produce, how it occurs, and for whom it is produced. This implies that any economic system is responsible for production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. Every economic system is linked to a political system through why people decide that their wishes of society.

A key to any economic system is coordination. You should see that the decisions individuals on what they do is coordinated with the company wants and what other people do. This coordination includes, moral, social and values Political, economic integration, which guarantees that an individual will not exceed what is available in society5. This partly explains why there is an economic system that can easily be used successfully outside the sociocultural context of their Aboriginal community.

In this context, it would be paid to examine the structure and scope of the economy pre-colonial Nigeria. The main spring and the thread of life for all company are mainly referred to its economic and human potential. Nigeria does not take exception to this universal rule. The kingdoms of States and empires that existed in the pre-colonial Nigeria were large and successful not only because of their socio sound political institutions, but also because of its abundant natural resources such as agriculture, trade and crafts. The observation of terrain and climate in Nigeria highlights the diversity of its natural potential, which led to the economic viability and a variety of professions. The structure of the economy of the period pre-colonial Nigeria and basically rested largely on the nature of the vegetation, domestic work and key components of agricultural activities, crafts, trade and its transport system.

 

Agriculture

Agriculture is a primary economic activity in Nigeria, which are the livelihood of people and an important factor for the emergence of states and empires as is the case everywhere in the world. As stated by Evans – evolution Pritchards "the first time that has transformed the human economy has man's power over their own supplies, the man began to plant, cultivate and improve the selection of herbs, roots and Tree "6. This economic progress has been described as the" Neolithic Revolution. "As in modern times in pre-colonial Nigeria, a major determinant for the choice of the solution is the availability of an enabling environment, free of epidemics, fertile land suitable for cultivation and grass, pleasant environment for coastal fisheries and security, such as absence of war and other disasters, natural and supernatural. When these conditions are absent, people resort to migration for the convenience of habitable zones. Given these phenomena, the reasons for the rotation crops in agricultural planting, grazing and roaming normadism in fishing could be understood. In other words, environmental factors play a role in human settlement7.

The way of farming and crops have been determined by the nature of soil and land in the region. Shifting cultivation and crop rotation typical of agricultural practices in pre-colonial Nigeria, due mainly to the practice land ownership and lack of knowledge of agriculture is highly mechanized. There were problems such as natural erosion, drought, pests and diseases. These problems have been resolved at local level, according to the different communities. For example, traps to catch birds and animals destructive on farms and canals have been dug to drain the water to check floods. Anchorage farm during the drought was an ancient agricultural practice in Nigeria. All these practices are not necessarily influenced by conservation seen by some Western observers but most effective and proper maintenance of soil fertility and evaluation of the economic situation the period8

In pre-colonial Nigeria, farmers relied on instruments such as wood, hoes, machetes and sickles. The common crops established on the basis of territorial specialization, including yams, okra, vegetables, maize, cocoyam, cassava, plantains, bananas, oil and Kolanut palm9. Independent growth and length of agriculture in Africa and Nigeria in particular has been strongly demonstrated by some historians of the African economy. Among them was Murdock, an anthropologist who has argued that agriculture began in the Upper Niger region between the Mende-speaking people in a database 5000BC10 their research on the cultivation of yams in the region. Although we can doubt the great age of agriculture in Nigeria, we must, in the same note, does not grow yams and other crops before or around the time (5000BC), in other parts of Nigeria. Interestingly, theory and diffusionist Hamitic hypothesis that tend to support that all events in Africa are imported incorrectly showed the nature of agricultural development in sub-regions11. While it is undeniable that some plants have been introduced from other regions in Nigeria, it is clear that agriculture in Nigeria to develop naturally and independently, without mechanism12 foreigners. What he was then inserted, it is complementary to the existing system.

 

Fishing, hunting and grazing

 

Fishing

Fishing is an economic activity in the former Nigeria. Its activities cover the coastal and inland waterways and economic value enormous pre-colonial Nigerians13. The fish was one of the main items of trade products from Nigeria. Fish of various types have been sun-dried or smoked so to keep them for long or short market14. Fresh fish is said to be marketed primarily in the areas short distance, due to the perishable nature and problem of the storage facility. The commercial fishing craft characteristics and special abilities, such as boats, canoes, paddle, float, float and Construction of the network, with the invention of a variety of techniques Fishing and native arts. Fishing in the pre-colonial Nigeria today that immigration generates many practitioners would have to leave households to improve their prospects elsewhere15. Fishing migration rate was very high among the Ilaje, Izon, Itsekiri, Efik, Jukun, Ijebu, etc. Awori From the pre-colonial days until the Ilaje is said to have been the most migratory, celebrities and professionals, as inland and deep sea fishing, not only in Nigeria but in West and Central Africa16. Around the 16th century, the fishing is said be practiced with rudimentary techniques and tools, materials such as raffia, wood and grass scope17 with very little advertising. At the end of 18th century to 19th century, most fishermen in Nigeria had begun developing equipment and techniques improved, such as clapnets, hawks, ita, EGHO, Asura, ojijon, Agada, IGHE, iyanma, EKOBE RIRO UFO,, Etc. 18 fishing economy of Nigeria in the current phase of development Progressive on the eve of British colonization.

Hunting

Hunting can be considered as one of economic activities advanced in pre-colonial Nigeria. It was very important because many people depend for their economic survival in a stage of economic development. However, over time, hunting has become a device of interest agriculture19. Hunting in Nigeria during this period was several levels. A lower level, the game included the laying of traps for birds, young animals such as squirrels, monkeys, lawnmowers, alligators, etc. Another Level is the game larger animals such as crocodiles, elephants, wild boars, antelopes, etc., and perhaps even the belief in most local Nigeria as hunting, especially on the upper level, and special skills involving the use of charms and supernatural possession powers20. Hunting was a reliable source of meat and fur for clothing, shoes and drum making. Besides its economic value, is a means by where trails and facilities have been created before advent of the European model of road construction and settlement of the city. Therefore, these roads and villages later became roads, towns and villages. Hunters have worked as security guards in protecting people against attacks by enemies or wild animals. Hunters also provides animals and their special parts that have medicinal value among indigenous medicine practitioners21. In addition to the game was picking fruit. Collection variety of berries, was an economic enterprise for some people including women in pre-colonial Nigeria. Fruits and spices are important for food and medicinal herbal, therefore, demand been and remains high until the date on the local market in Nigeria places22.

 

 

Grazing

This has been another economic practice in the pre-colonial Nigeria. This is farming, including cattle, goats and sheep in commercial quantities in a range of fertile land to another. Because of the infestation in the region Forest by the tsetse fly and lack of greenspace in the South, despite the nature of the swampy plain, the presence of rivers and streams in the coastal region and the presence of open land in the north, grazing is practiced mainly by the Fulani in the region of savanna Nigeria22 North. Both grazing and hunting are linked to agricultural crops from which all directly and indirectly responsible for the animals. However, agriculture Joint was not widespread, some form of symbiosis between farmers and postoralists. For example, the feces of cattle manure for the land formed which in turn supported the growth of crops, while postoralists depended on food crops of farmers. In addition, livestock production is a source of meat for the forest dwellers, workers demanded skin to produce leather shoes, handbags, coats of arms of war, keys management, etc. horses23 harness Kano in northern Nigeria, is famous for qualifications. Pastoral activities were of great economic value in the pre-colonial Nigeria.

 

Crafts

A discussion on the development Crafts in pre-colonial, Nigerians need a description of their arts and industries at different levels. Arts and Crafts where Nigerians are famous include the extraction of salt, soap production, metalwork, wood and weaving activities. This enormous Development reminds us how much technology has advanced in Nigeria indigenous pre-colonial period. It is evident that iron technology was developed considerably in the pre-colonial Nigeria and crafts of this revolution and manufactured in Nigeria and indeed Africa24.

The salt production has been one of the mineral extraction, which was not available in most areas, but a product locally important and necessary in a merchants25 import goods from abroad. In pre-colonial Nigeria, the production of salt in large quantities is naturally limited to coastal areas because of the availability of raw materials such as salt water. The production method is the evaporation of sea water either by boiling or sunbathe. Among the inhabitants of coastal areas in Nigeria, especially Ilaje, Itsekiri and Ijaw, the collection process sea water in large pot of clay until it dries, leaving a solid white background. It would be collected, with a small basket to filter dirt26. What remained was the salt that can be almost no impurities. The industrial growth of trade between residents and the coast in the pre-colonial Nigeria. In the region of the interior too, the salt is said to occur in the relatively modest, perhaps especially among Jukun in the region of the Benue, and the Igbo of Eastern Nigeria27.

Closely linked to this economic project pre-colonial, was the production of soap. This was mainly carried out by settlers in the forest region of Nigeria. The main raw materials for the production of soap was palm oil and ash. These are cooked together and molded28. In pre-colonial Nigeria types, for example, there are different soap. In addition to domestic and commercial uses, soap There was value29 drugs. The Ose Dudu (soap) in the Yoruba, for example, is still used to date for these purposes.

Two important aspects of the pre-colonial Nigeria crafts that deserve attention in this study are metal and wood. A careful study of the history of Nigeria reveal that of all trades, working iron was more important for the economic and political environment in pre-colonial period. The Iron Age was the period in which Nigerians began to dominate and to actively manage their environment. The discovery of iron led to the manufacture of iron tools such as hoes, knives, machetes, spears, axes and greater productivity influenced these crafts, agriculture, fisheries and hunting30. Outside of the revolution Economic caused by the iron foundry, also most of the leaders with political power higher and stronger. For example, possession of weapons of iron military influence growth and the subjugation of weaker communities by strong ones31. The introduction of iron in Nigeria has led to forge any black the region. The acid test of the early iron smelting in West Africa Nok, a village in central Nigeria, north of the confluence of the rivers Niger and Benue and southwest Jose Pleateau32. The Yoruba, Igbo (especially those Awka) and unem (Benin) were famous in iron smelting technology in the pre-colonial era. The unem, eg would have developed before C1370 blacksmith shop and iron have played a commercial role, as has been used as a medium of exchange (native currency) 33.

A production of important minerals in the pre-colonial Nigeria was gold. Gold has been mined, exported and consumed locally. He has more economic value of other products, as it was mainly a currency earning34 item. In pre-colonial Benin and Ile-Ife became famous for casting in bronze and good production facilities tin reputation existed in the Jos Plateau and zinc in the Niger and Benue least Rivers35. However, it is important to note that production has been hampered by the art Wooden high cultural symbolism.

Ife and Benin had been considered the most famous among the African States Western use of brass and bronze. In skills, quality and beauty, ancient bronzes of Benin have equaled those produced in any what part of world43. Some time has been claimed by some authors that both Nigeria Nigerian art foundry and bronze used for the representation natural human figures and animals were imported by Europeans, whether legitimate or through smuggling. If this were true, suggests that the art of Nigeria has reached an admirable and enviable position of world standard before the arrival of imported technologies. Point fundamental view of being accepted is that, while EU imports of brass and bronze finished art production in Nigeria, both works of these alloys is in Nigeria before the arrival of Portuguese in century44 15.

Studies have shown naturalist, a figure that has been found in Chad in the region so that the burial before the 15th century. Also, do not know that primitive peoples have worked bronze and brass was published similar figures in other media. Former Nok people, for example, produces replicas of human heads and animals high artistic merit and value, and the stylized wooden, clay, gold and ivory45.

Trade and transport system is equally relevant for growth and development of pre-colonial economy of Nigeria. The people of Nigeria was held in both regional and trade based on inter-regional specialization of production of which involves the practice of the principle of comparative cost advantages. They developed the local transport system of land use (head porting) and forms canoes water () and certain forms of media of exchange, like bartering, Manila, brass, iron, copper and Cowry shells46. Different states, empires and kingdoms in pre-colonial Nigeria in the first plan in the wake of trade organized and relatively inexpensive transportation. The market for this organization period was largely influenced by the abundant farm production and people nonagricultural. Because of the variety of product offerings to market departmentalization had no goods, order and the market system periodic states of Nigeria, as pre-colonial Yoruba society47. However, the transport system poorly constrained mobility, production and distribution goods and services, to some extent.

Arguably, since the production went beyond household consumption and there was an exchange Information inter-territorial regional specialization based on the economics of pre-colonial Nigeria has been more than subsistence level. He also argues that the organization of the trans-Saharan and transatlantic trade in which Nigeria took an active part was international outlook48.

It has been suggested by some Western economists that the factors of production have not been well coordinated and there was no division of labor or specialization in economics from the pre-colonial Nigeria. This seems false and misleading. In society African traditional partner of men and women are inherently affected special economic function in which each sex is Excel (sexual division of labor). It is true that specialization is applicable to many aspects of Nigeria, the economic activities. For example, residents Coastal who specialized in repairing fishing nets have been taken in a specialty area, while some specializing in offshore fishing (Oko-Ota or ADE-ODO), others work in or freshwater fishing (Eremi). In the two fishing areas, there are still many areas of special skills49. There is a saying in fishing Yoruba people in the Niger Delta ", Oghomayi emai "(specialization and the ability varies from person to person). This shows the degree of specialization and skills are recognized in some pre-colonial Nigerian societies.

Freedom to work is very important work in the production process, the economy was more frequent, therefore, the Nigerian Labor-colonial recruitment through their wives, children, slaves and their families. In some cases, the labor supply has been with the help of the community. A sustainable reasons for marriage for many women among men in Nigeria to ensure an adequate and steady supply of cheap labor market. Adam Smith in his Wealth nation states that "Great family of children, rather than being a burden is a source of wealth and prosperity for parents' 50. This reinforces the economic philosophy practice of African polygany.

Tenure practiced partners to meet the economic needs of the moment. It is true that the land was abundant compared to the Nigerian population51. Capital was raised through personal savings, loans from friends, family, co-operatives (Egbe or esusu) or family or community chest.

A key factor in the economic structure pre-colonial Nigeria was entrepreneurship. This is an important factor of production in any economy at any time. It would paid to consider what the employer is ordered to check the pre-colonial Nigerian deserves quality. Some believe that the spirit business mainly as innovators, others think of themselves primarily as business leaders, others are more focus again on its role of mobilizing and allocating capital52. Hosetitz also held that the employer is an entrepreneur who guides the action of a private producer who makes crucial decisions on the use of production factors in their remuneration on the nature and style of the products or services to produce, and timing and other aspects of production and marketing process53.

In pre-colonial Nigeria, as in other parts of the world, other factors of production like capital, land and labor were organized and used effectively for production. It follows that all factors of production there would not be useful without entrepreneurs. The pre-colonial Nigerian entrepreneurs were rulers, chiefs and potentates, warlords and other influential men and women who had enough wealth and power to rally other production54 factors. For example, the powerful organization Kano production of leather, heads of Ijebu organization of textile production, the leaders of the organization Ilaje production of fish, the heads of Ikala organizes the production of agricultural crops. Madam Tinubu of Egbaland and Efunsetan Ibadan also were among the remarkable women who organized the slaves in their farms55. The distribution of goods were made by contractors in Nigeria Through the organization of long-distance market on a bilateral or multilateral and cut within and outside their regions.

Same if one can argue that most financial institutions and principles in the industrial companies have their equivalent in simple and non-corporate industrial processes such as pre-colonial Nigeria, it is always important to note that the factors of production and other elements in the structure of the economy pre-colonial Nigeria, such as agriculture and handicrafts have their peculiarities. Therefore, in order that the work of economic historian economist and the most meaningful to your audience, careful selection and application of relevant financial terms and principles are imperative.

Conclusion

Given the general characteristics and a myriad of sub-sectoral components pre-colonial Nigerian economy convincing evidence that economic growth has been gradual and sensitive to innovation before its colonization by Great Britain in the 19th century. The study showed that pre-colonial economy of Nigeria was a traditional economy Africa in which production depends heavily on families, community efforts and professional groups or unions. It should be noted that the economic system traditional, which can be called "communalism" practice is inherently similar in different autonomous regions of the geographical expression later called Nigeria.

In an analysis Regarding the scientific nature of free research, positivist point position strengthens the assertion that the pre-colonial economy of Nigeria has been dynamic and market driven. It is the position of this economic philosophy that the problem economic fundamental in any society, irrespective of the place and moment in history, is to provide a set of rules for competition and channeling the resolution conflict between those who can not meet all their needs, given the constraints of scarcity. It has been argued by Roger Leroy by example, that the production target at an age when the world remains the same and that human behavior in economic issues are universally similar56.

All these fundamental economic rules are said to be embedded in a formal social institutions such as laws and customs. The role specific to each economic system of any company would undertake the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services to create utility57. Economy pre-colonial Nigeria would not be an exception to these rules and universal principles. This study in light of these characteristics show that the economy pre-colonial Nigeria was dynamic, progressive and market oriented.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES AND REFERENCES

1. A detailed review and critique of substantivalist and formalist views could be Zeleza J. A recent Economic History of Africa, vol. 1 (Senegal: CODESTRIA) 1993 pp 15 -16.

2. See A. G Hopkins, an economic history of Africa West London, Longman, 5 -9.

3. Roger Leroy Miller of today's economy, New York: Harper Collins College Publishers, 1996, 122.

4. Roger Leroy, of today's economy, p. 122.

5. David C. Colander, Economics: Irwin, Burr Ridge Sillinois Massachusetts Boston, Sydney, Australia, 1994, 60 – 62.

6. G. T Stride, C. Ifeka, peoples and empires of Africa Western (Hong Kong: Thomas Nelson, 1971, 158.

7. S. W Wooldridge and W. G East, the spirit and purpose of geography: London, Hutchinson & Co. Publishers, 1951, 23 -24.

8. See Ogunremi G. Or "The structure of the economy pre-colonial" P 16.

9. Ogunremi, "The structure of the economy pre – colonial" P 16.

10. G. P Murdock, Africa, the peoples and their history P Culture: London, 1959, 64.

11. GO Ogunremi, p 15.

12. GO Ogunremi, p 15.

13. Ehinmore, OM, "Fishing in south-western Nigeria in the 19th century: a study of economics Ilaje Fisheries UCA African Studies Review, Lagos, Senior Academic Publishers, vol. 1, No. 1, 2002, 56.

14. See G. T Stride, C. Ifeka, People and Empires of West Africa, Hong Kong: Thomas Nelson, 1971, p. 159.

15. Ayodeji Olukoju: "The fishing migrations and relationships between groups in the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic coast of West Africa) in ages 19 and 20 "Directions, vol. XXV, European Journal of Overseas History P 70.

16. Ayodeji Olukoju, P 70.

17. Interviews Kalejaye Eniola, fisherman, about 85yrs in Odont, 20/5/2006.

18. Ehinmore, Omorele M. "A History of fishing in Ondo State, 1950 – 1997: A Case Study of Coastal Zone Ilaje (M. A Thesis, University of Lagos, 1998), 19-24.

19. See GO Ogunremi, "The structure of the economy pre-colonial '20.

20. Interview with Odegbemi Ariyo, hunter, 92yrs, to ERINJO, 10/5/2006.

21. Ariyo Odegbemi gave a value Details of different types of animals and their parts, particularly in the preparation of traditional medicine before and even after the introduction of orthodox medicine.

22. Interview with Ariyo Odegbemi.

23. GO Ogunremi, P 21.

24. W Andah Bassey, the Nigerian Indigenous Technology (Ibadan, Ibadan University Press, 1992), pp 1-4.

25. See G. T Stride, C. Ifeka, p 159.

26. Mejebi interview with edema, in Warri, 16/6/2006, 94yrs, businessman-fisherman. This was reinforced by Ehinmore Ajao, a historian of the palace and an old musician 10/6/2006, Mahin asked about 82yrs.

27. A. E Afigbo, "Economic Foundations of pre-colonial Igbo society" in Akinjogbin I. and S. O osoba (eds.), Topics on Nigerian Economic and Social Histor (Ile-Ife: University of Ife Press, 1980), p. 15.

28. GT Stride, C. Ifeka, p 159.

29. See interview Odegbemi Ariyo, 10/5/2006.

30. Dennis Williams: "An Outline History of Tropical African Art," in José C. Godfrey and Kid Brown (ed.), Africa in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, (Ibadan University Press, 1966), pp 60-65.

31. Nene and Godfrey Brown, P 60.

32. Thurston Shaw, "The prehistory of West Africa", in J. E Ade Ajayi and Michael Crowder (ed.), History of West Africa, (London: Longman, 1971), p. 69.

33. See Dennis Williams, "An Outline History of Tropical African Art," Africa in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, p. 65.

34. GO Ogunremi, P. 22.

35. G. Stride T and C. Ifeka, P. 161.

36. GT Stride and C. Ifeka p. 101.

37. And Jon Richard Lander, Journal of the expedition to explore the course and termination of the Niger (London, 1932), 197.

38. G. Stride T and C. Ifeka, P. 159.

39. NAI Ilaje Intelligence Report, Ondo province, RJM Curwen, No file D O. 119, 1937, p. 35.

40. Interview with Fibilia Majofodun in Erek, 12/6/206, about 80yrs, a fish and Mat Weaver.

41. Dennis Williams, P 70.

42. See Bassey, W. Andah for a detailed explanation of the technology Building Nigeria, Pp 55-70.

43. G. Stride T and C. Ifeka, P 160.

44. Stride and Ifeka, P. 160.

45. Stride and Ifeka, P. 160.

46. Toyin Falola, "Trade and market economy in pre-colonial," in G. and E. O Ogunremi Faluya K (eds), An Economic History West Africa since 1750, Pp 61-71.

47. IA Akinjogbin, "the economic fundamentals of the Oyo Empire," in I. Akinjogbin and S. O osoba (eds.), Issues in Nigeria Economic and Social History, Ife: University of Ife Press, 1980, pp 35-42.

48. E. E Evans-Pritchard The Nuer: A description of livelihood and political institutions of the people of the Nile, Paris, 1940, p. 77.

49. For a detailed analysis different areas of expertise on fish OM Ehinmore, "Fishing in the south-western Nigeria in the 19th century: A study of the economics of fishing Ilaje "Pp 58-62.

50. Adam Smith, an Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations: London, 1901, Volume 1, p. 29, cited in G. and E. O Ogunremi Faluya K, An Economic History of West Africa since 1750, p 34.

51. GO Ogunremi "traditional factor in pre-colonial economy, in G. and E. O Ogunremi Faluya K (eds), An Economic History of West Africa since 1750, p. 33.

52. Bert F. Hoselitz "entrepreneurs in African development", in E. F Jackson (ed), Economic Development in Africa, Oxford, 1965, p. 86. City in an economic history of West Africa since 1750.

53. Hoselitz: "The development of African entrepreneurs," p. 87.

54. G. O Ogunremi, "the traditional production factors," p. 39.

55. GO Ogunremi, P. 40.

56. Roger Miller Leroy, today's economy, P. 122.

57. Roger Miller Leroy, P. 122.

About the Author

O. M EHINMORE

O. M Ehinmore is a Lecturer I in the Department of History and International Studies,

Adekunle Ajasin University,

Akungba-Akoko, P.M.B 001, Nigeria ,

West Africa

E-mail: ehinmore@yahoo.com

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