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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Patterns of Peasant Migrations in the Hinterland of the Western Niger Delta, Nigeria, 1900-1930
Author:Aghalino, S.O.
Year:1996
Periodical:Transafrican Journal of History
Volume:25
Pages:215-225
Language:English
Notes:biblio. refs.
Geographic terms:Nigeria
West Africa
Subjects:farmers
rural-rural migration
Urbanization and Migration
History and Exploration
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
History, Archaeology
economic history
migration
Agricultural population
Niger River Delta (Nigeria)
Abstract:The hinterland of the Western Niger Delta, Nigeria, is occupied by the Isoko and the Urhobo. Migration of peasant farmers was a noticeable phenomenon in their agricultural system. The ecology of the area was partly responsible for precolonial migrations, since much of the land was flooded for most of the year. Increase in population density was another factor. Political repression and high-handedness also caused peasant farmers to migrate, as did insecurity as a result of incessant raids by Ijo pirates and the activities of Ijo slave raiders. The 'pacification' of the region by the British in the early 20th century, the introduction of draconian laws, colonial fiscal policies and the imposition of taxes, all intensified peasant farmer migration. The Christian missions did not alleviate the problems of the peasant farmers either. In effect, the missionaries, in conjunction with the administrators, profaned people's cultural and religious symbols and the average farmer, feeling threatened, revolted by migrating. The destination of migrants was a direct function of the abundance of oil palm and the desire to go to rural rather than urban areas. Amongst the effects of peasant migrations was a complete reorientation of the agricultural system away from serving internal needs, with the economy of the region becoming highly commercialized. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum.
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