Food production among the Ungwai of Nigeria: An ethnoarcgaeological appraisal

Abstract

Food production or agriculture involving the use of simple implements like hoes and cutlasses, is the mainstay of the Ungwai economy. The Ungwai are an ethnic group located to the north of Minna the capital town of Niger State of Nigeria. Field experience shows that the Ungwai agriculture or knowledge system is more than a mere economic affair. It is indeed, a complex way of life central to the social, political, economic and ecological survival and integrity of the people. This facet of the Ungwai essence is anchored on the principles of cooperation and partnership.
Crops being grown include guinea-corn (Sorghum sp.) bulrush millet (Pennisetum sp.) and yams (Discorea sp.), while such livestock as cattle, goats and sheep are also kept. Droppings of these animals are used for enriching the soil. This is an effective indigenous soil maintenance strategy that is pivotal to abundant food production in the study area. Oral traditional, ethnographic and archaeological investigations carried out to-date, show that the Ungwai farming practices can be stretched as far back in time as about 18th century A.D.


Institute of African Studies: Research Review Vol. 22 (2) 2006: pp 71-76