HISTORY OF RICE PRODUCTION IN BAKUWAI DISTRICT, 1942-2015

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study is an attempt to study the history of rice production in Bakuwai District. The study examined the mode of production of rice in the study area since the pre-colonial period. Data for the study was generated using historical methodology through primary and secondary sources. The data was carefully analysed and interpreted to arrive at conclusions. It has been discovered that rice production has been major source of livelihood to the majority people of Bakuwai due to their location along the riverbank. Thus, the importance of rice in the social and economic life of the people cannot be over emphasized. The study has also found that during the pre-colonial period, farm implements were locally made and rice purchases were mostly based on barter system. However, colonialism brought so many changes in terms of production of agricultural produce in general and rice in particular. The colonialists introduced some infrastructural developments in the area and modern farm implements; new improved varieties of seeds, fertilizers and use of modern medium of exchange in the form of currency notes and coins for easy exploitation of resources. Moreover, in the post-independence era, successive Nigerian governments have introduced policies and programmes that assist rice production in the area. Most of the programmes failed due to so many factors among which include corruption, nepotism favouritism and politics. Despite these challenges, the study has found that the Anchor Borrowers Programme introduced by the Buhari administration in 2015 has recorded some certain degree of success in the area.