T’EBI B’ATI KURO NINU ISE, ISE BUSE: The Dilemma of Conceptualizing Poverty Among the Yoruba of Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

Societies all over the world have defined their existence based on the understanding of their environment, but their contacts with other cultures have often redefined their existence. Such is the case with the conceptualization of poverty in the contemporary world. Central to the question of poverty among the Yoruba of Southwestern Nigeria was the necessity of food. Today, the definition of poverty has extended far beyond this point. Indeed, the ‘new’ definition seems to have become elusive as it is popularized through western images. As the concept of poverty becomes increasingly elusive, development continues to be a mirage. This paper shows this dilemma as developing nations seek to redefine their existence. Except the people return to the basics, underdevelopment and the perpetuation of poverty shall continue to be inevitable.

Key words: Poverty, western images, Indigenous knowledge, underdevelopment.