AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN EASTERN NIGERIA BEFORE 1976: A HISTORICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

This study examines agricultural activities in Eastern Nigeria before 1976, a period marked by significant economic, social and political changes. Agriculture was the backbone of the regional economy, with crops such as palm produce, cocoa and root crops serving as major sources of income. The region’s agricultural sector was characterised by small-scale farming, with farmers relying on traditional farming methods and tools. The introduction of cash crops by colonial authorities led to a shift from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, with many farmers producing crops for export. However, this shift also brought challenges such as land degradation, labour exploitation and fluctuating market prices. Despite these challenges, agriculture remained a vital sector of the regional economy, providing employment and income for millions of people. This study draws on historical records and empirical evidence to provide insights into the dynamics of agricultural activities in Eastern Nigeria before 1976. It covers the defunct Eastern Region of Nigeria, which comprised the present-day states of Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross River (then part of the South-Eastern State), Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo and Rivers. The methodology adopted is historical analysis and an extensive review of data collected from primary and secondary sources. The findings of this study have implications for contemporary agricultural policies and practices in the region.