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| Title: | The history and anthropology of labour mobilization for agricultural production among the Yoruba |
| Author: | Folorunso, C.A. |
| Year: | 1998 |
| Periodical: | West African Journal of Archaeology |
| Volume: | 28 |
| Issue: | 2 |
| Pages: | 65-80 |
| Language: | English |
| Geographic term: | Nigeria |
| Subjects: | Yoruba subsistence economy agricultural workers agricultural history |
| Abstract: | Since precolonial times, African peoples have gained access to means of production, particularly land, labour, and capital, both through exchange and through membership of various social units. This paper examines the history and anthropology of labour mobilization for agricultural production among the Yoruba in southwestern Nigeria. Farming formed the major economic activity of traditional Yoruba communities and there is ample evidence that, over the years, there have been considerable changes in the manner of mobilizing labour for farming activities. The paper looks at patrilineal group farming, clientelism, household farming, 'aaro' and 'owe' (types of group farming) and pawning. Under colonial rule, specific mechanisms of access to the means of production in Yorubaland changed with changing economic and political circumstances. Presently, the traditional system of pooling labour through lineage, 'aaro' and 'owe' organizations is disappearing fast, leading to a reduction in the available amount of farm labour, and a reduction in production. The resulting deplorable condition of farmers has forced many of them to abandon farming and move to the urban centres for paid jobs. Bibliogr. |