Publication Title The contributions of the missionaries to the Agricultural and Industrial Development of Southern Nigeria, 1842-1900
Publication Type journal
Publisher African Journal of Management, Social Sciences and Humanities
Publication Authors Dr. F.O Forae
Year Published 2019-02-06
Abstract Contributions of the Missionaries to the Agricultural and Industrial Development of Southern Nigeria, 1842- 1900: This essay examines the contributions of the Christian missionaries of the 19th Century to the agro-industrial economy of Southern Nigeria between 1842 and 1900. It submits that the renewed missionary effort of the mid 19th century was given a boost by improved material conditions such as the fruits of civilization and industrialization which were fast spreading as distinct from the largely unsuccessful evangelization of the 14th and 17th century. The material foundation and basis of the later missionary efforts facilitated the establishment of agricultural evangelization, but as means of improving converts’ material conditions as basis for accepting the gospel of Christ lest they relapsed to their pagan ways. More importantly, the numerous enterprises established not only changed the agricultural economy and industrial landscape but the food and cash crops introduced assured food security, stimulated domestic and international trades, promoted the growth of the cash economy, entrenched modern industrial production and above all stimulated an indigenous technological culture through learning, by-doing or apprenticeship. • Urhobo Traditional Economic Structure Before the advent of Colonialism, 1800-1900: This paper examines the structural outlines of the traditional economy of the Urhobo in the nineteenth century prior to the advent of British colonial rule at about 1900. The study highlights elements of the geographic environmental like climate, vegetation and soil in stimulating a meta-economy that promoted various economic activities like agriculture, weaving, trade and related activities in which many segments of the population were engaged. Apart from the influence of the physical environment on the pre-colonial economy, the essay also examines cultural and historical experiences of the Urhobo as factors which helped shape their proclivity towards the “independence” or self-reliance associated with the traditional occupational pursuits. Specialisation and environmental conditions further facilitated the growth of the cash or market economy in which various products of agricultural and wares of industry were exchanged. The paper submits that the structural independence among the various economic units, and between the economy and society’s social and cultural institutions were salient factors which promoted sustenance, tenacity and resilience of the traditional economy of the Urhobo. • The Impact of the Republic Pre-colonial Socio-political System of Urhobo People on their Contemporary Kingship Institutions: This paper examines the impact of the republican character of the socio-political life of the Urhobo on their contemporary kingship institutions. It highlights and examines age-long, historical experiences and environmental conditions as key factors in shaping not only the evolution of a republican type socio-polity but also their individualism, independence, abhorrence of tyranny and dictatorship, love for freedom, adventure and their gutsiness. Such key factors include the struggle to gain and hold land, migration and settlement patterns, social relations and existential problems. This contribution submits that the resultant diffused nature of power and authority in traditional government prior to colonial rule were not only obstacles to the role and development of contemporary kingship institutions, but attempts to establish such institutions following colonial pressure for centralisation of traditional government and emerging political realities seemed merely symbolic and perfunctory.
Publication Title Urhobo Traditional Economic Structure Before The Advent of colonialism, 1800-1900
Publication Type journal
Publisher Kraft Publishers, Nigeria
Publication Authors Dr. F.O Forae
Year Published 2022-05-05
Abstract • Urhobo Traditional Economic Structure Before the advent of Colonialism, 1800-1900: This paper examines the structural outlines of the traditional economy of the Urhobo in the nineteenth century prior to the advent of British colonial rule at about 1900. The study highlights elements of the geographic environmental like climate, vegetation and soil in stimulating a meta-economy that promoted various economic activities like agriculture, weaving, trade and related activities in which many segments of the population were engaged. Apart from the influence of the physical environment on the pre-colonial economy, the essay also examines cultural and historical experiences of the Urhobo as factors which helped shape their proclivity towards the “independence” or self-reliance associated with the traditional occupational pursuits. Specialisation and environmental conditions further facilitated the growth of the cash or market economy in which various products of agricultural and wares of industry were exchanged. The paper submits that the structural independence among the various economic units, and between the economy and society’s social and cultural institutions were salient factors which promoted sustenance, tenacity and resilience of the traditional economy of the Urhobo.