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Distributive Network in Egbaland, 1880-1950
Abstract
The paper examines the various means of distribution (both indigenous and modern) in pre-colonial and colonial Egbaland. The various distributive network - trade routes and means of transportation - facilitated rapid economic activities not only in Abeokuta and its environs alone but also between Egbaland and other areas, especially Lagos, in the period under
focus. It also discusses the forces that shaped the character and form of the distributive network within the context of continuity and change. These
forces actually aided the existence of an effective means of transportation without which economic activities in Egbaland could not have undergone the
upsurge it experienced. In fact, the natural resources of a particular society, especially a developing one, can only be meaningfully tapped within the existence of an effective means of transportation that links different locations of these natural resources with various markets everywhere. However, the inclusion of Egbaland in the colonial economy, even though it improved the distributive network in Egbaland, did not stimulate internal exchange. The railway passing through Egbaland and linked by several feeder roads headed straight to the ports. There were few inter-village/town linkages and little attempt was made to use roads and railways as a stimulus for internal exchange.
focus. It also discusses the forces that shaped the character and form of the distributive network within the context of continuity and change. These
forces actually aided the existence of an effective means of transportation without which economic activities in Egbaland could not have undergone the
upsurge it experienced. In fact, the natural resources of a particular society, especially a developing one, can only be meaningfully tapped within the existence of an effective means of transportation that links different locations of these natural resources with various markets everywhere. However, the inclusion of Egbaland in the colonial economy, even though it improved the distributive network in Egbaland, did not stimulate internal exchange. The railway passing through Egbaland and linked by several feeder roads headed straight to the ports. There were few inter-village/town linkages and little attempt was made to use roads and railways as a stimulus for internal exchange.
