economic development in pre-colonial nigeria WEEK 4

what time was precolonial nigeria

the period up to 1800 belongs to pre-colonial period (_{up to the 19th century)}

2 perspectives of pre-colonial economy and explain

• Domestic- relates to all economic. Here agriculture will be prioritized – not just food crops, but also cash crops like cotton, and the rearing of animals.

• Non-agricultural sector include the production of crafts as well as mining, distribution of produced items (trade) is equally a very important segment of this period. 

describe the physical environment of pre colonial nigeria

Nigeria’s climate and environment: Rainy in the south, dry in the north, creating forests in the south, savannah in the north, and a Middle Belt in between. This affects agriculture: rain-loving crops in forests, drought-resistant crops in savannah.

the economy of pre-colonial Nigeria

• described as substinence, production was usually for self consumption. 

•  Here the laws of demand and supply did not stimulate production. The rationale was to supplement basic human needs  

the role agriculture played in the pre-colonial nigerian economy

• The agricultural sector was an integral part of the colonial economy hence it was the highest employer of labour. people were involved either part time or full time

• The products of agriculture served various purposes not just food consumption, but also materials for some craft industries.

• Labour was much prioritized because there were no machines to carry out farming tasks. 

• Agriculture was so important that those who excelled in it were highly respected and honoured, and even received appropriate titles for their achievements. 

the land tenure system in pre colonial nigeria

In agrarian societies, land was the most important asset, communally owned, and considered sacred. Village or kindred heads managed the land, protecting it and ensuring all members had access. Before the 19th century, land had no commercial value. With the advent of Legitimate Trade and Kola Tenancy, land became commercialized. Kola Tenancy: people paid a tribute called kola to use land from another group.

industries under the non-agricultural sector

• salt industry

• plant based industry

• iron industry

• wood craft

• animal based industry