The decline of cash crop economy in the lower Niger 1943-1976

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the interlocking factors which determine the decline of cash crop economy in the Lower Niger region in the period 1870-1976. The study is significant because it ascertain the effects of such decline and the economic changes on development of Nigeria. In the colonial period, trade in agricultural commodity served as a major source to earn European currency. Transnational corporations, which purchased these commodity crops, left Nigeria soon after political independence when the Nigerian government promulgated several laws in attempt to indigenize the economy. This action spell doom for agriculture produce export and poverty for producers engaged in the business. Both the Nigerian government and its citizens have been battling to resuscitate agricultural export crop since the late 1970s, but the Nigerian people are already used to petro-dollar economy and the white collar jobs. The study adopts inter-disciplinary methodology in collation and interpretation of data. The study recommends among others that, Nigerian government should revamp cash crop economy on the Lower Niger to serve as viable alternative to crude oil export.

Keywords: Lower Niger, cash crops, economy, decline