PRE-COLONIAL ECONOMIC HISTORY OF THE BEROM

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1      BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

This project examines the pre-colonial economy of the Berom of the Jos Plateau in Northern Nigeria. The study established that the economy was not static but vital and complex in which the various sectors were integrated into a stable, viable and self-sustained economy that was able to generate surpluses that met the socio-political and economic needs of the society. The Berom economy exhibited gender division of labour that was complementary but not competitive which ensured greater integration of women in agricultural production.¹

An objective analysis of the pre-colonial economy of the Berom shows that they developed a complex economy made up of various sectors that were effectively integrated together into a stable, viable self-sufficient economy and economy only manifested some measure of disequilibrium as a result of wars and natural disasters, although the economy can be described as subsistence, it does not mean that it was devoid of surplus production and exchange.²

The Berom pre-colonial economy was made up of the following sectors: agriculture, hunting, tin and iron smelting, crafts and handwork, animal husbandry and trade.³Trade and barter (exchange) shows that the Berom pre-colonial economy was relatively developed and diversified in which the mode of production and labour organization were also sufficiently complex and developed for surplus production. The basis of men’s wealth was largely the control they had over women’s labor and communal labor and the heroism they displayed during military and hunting expeditions. The Berom live on and off the land it is their source of life. The influence of land and the products on Berom life is vast.

Using historical materialism as a tool in understanding the development of the society, it shows the concept of mode of production and relationship of production¹. This was emphasized by Jacob C.C. when he described the early pre-colonial mode of production in Berom land as lineage in form and in content because the basic unit of production was the household and close relatives. Under this dispensation, the household farmed the family land collectively under the supervision and direction of the family head (be-dalo). The relations of production in terms of kinship implied absence of exploitation because of the respect people had for the elders or head. Small surpluses produced were appropriated among the community leaders such as the chief priest (begwomkwot) and heads of the family (be dalo) and elders who performed functions such as judicial and social functions. The chief could not confiscate land or appropriate land for himself or another person for any reason. It was only the virgin lands that he had the mandate to distribute to those in need of land. This did not include the re-distribution of occupied lands, which was left to household and lineage heads. When land was exhausted and redistribution became necessary on a large scale either as a result of natural disaster, population increase or a breakdown in the fallow system, which results in very low land fertility, the people moved in part or as a whole in search of virgin lands. This was done either peacefully through conquest to satisfy land hunger.However these surpluses did not create any classic class divisions of the Berom society into exploiters and the exploited in the initial stage of development. With rapid development in the pre-colonial economy of the Berom society inequality started emerging as a result of continuous consolidation of community and family elders into classes before colonial intervention.⁴

1.2       OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The general objectives of this study are to ascertain and evaluate the economy of the pre-colonial Berom. Other objectives include:

1.         Exploration of their formation of crude tools

2.         The influence of tin smelting to the economy

3.         To examine the pattern if exchange and history of trade

1.3       SCOPE OF STUDY

This research focuses on the pre-colonial economy of the Berom, their ethnic group division and district subdivisions of the Jos Plateau in Northern Nigeria. A review on the traditional means of production, tin mining and iron smelting activities, agricultural advances and their effect on the overall economy of the Berom people.

1.4       RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

In the cause of this research, both primary and secondary sources were employed in providing information. The primary sources of information includes, oral interviews, while the secondary sources includes, textbooks, journals, published and unpublished materials, internet sources and articles. The Plateau state, National and State Library provided good and reliable sources of important information. The oral information derived from pertinent informants like administrative members and workers of the national museums and monuments, Plateau state, Nigeria.

1.5       LITERATURE REVIEW

            Several books, articles, and journals in existence on Berom history in pre-colonial times. Some of the works aided this research. In the course of this research work, the Berom pre-colonial economy will economy will be investigated.    In attempt to contribute to the existing works of the Berom pre-colonial economy. Some books on indigenous Berom land, culture, and agriculture will be reviewed.

C.C Jacobs “The studies in Berom history and culture volume I”. focused on history of the indigenous Berom land and culture, agriculture as well as tins smelting trade and crafts. This work was important for the study because of the background of history provided.ElizabethIsichei“thestudy inthe history of Plateau state in Nigeria ”. This book gives information on the Berom geographical location which gave the research a clarification on Berom location.

H.A. Alahira“The pre-colonial mode of production and labour organization, among Berom of the Jos Plateau in Northern Nigeria.”  This journal emphasis on labour and mode of production. The journal was important in revealing the labour organization, labour division and modes of production in Pre-colonial Berom.In addition, “The gazettes of Northern province of Nigeria Vol (IV)”. This also revealed more information on the geographical location and the socio-political organization of the Berom.

Also, Nyam Samuel Dung (2005) "Berom sociopolitical festivals and ceremonies from the precolonial times to date" was critical in the research in that it investigates the sociocultural festivals and ceremonies of the Berom.Dung .E. Chollom"Tin mining in Berom land and its effect on Du, Gyel and Foron Districts" this book gives pertinent information on mining and labour in Berom districts.     

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