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EXPLORING THE CONTRIBUTION OF WOMEN IN THE ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE OF NSUKKA DIVISION DURING THE YEARS 1912-1960


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Abstract

This study delves into the pivotal role played by women in the Colonial Economy of Nsukka Division between 1912 and 1960. It offers an in-depth analysis of how women contributed to the household economy and, by extension, the Colonial Economy. To comprehend the roles of both genders prior to and during colonialism, the study explores the region's culture and traditions. It argues that Colonialism, in all its facets, was exploitative, with women bearing the brunt of sustaining their families due to harsh economic policies that led to the migration of young men. This departure from traditional roles saw men shift from food crop production to trading, causing local industries to struggle against cheaper European products. Only a few industries managed to survive the economic challenges. Moreover, men began to encroach on economic spaces previously dominated by women as they left for paid employment opportunities in different parts of Nigeria. This study concludes that women were the unsung heroines of the colonial economy during this period, playing a colossal role. The research methodology employed historical research techniques and gathered data from primary, secondary, and tertiary sources, including oral interviews, archival materials, journals, mimeographs, published and unpublished texts.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background of the study

Historical studies, both in Africa and globally, have traditionally focused predominantly on the contributions of men to history and development. This gender bias in historical discourse has perpetuated the portrayal of women as either nonexistent or mere victims. It is only in recent times that historians have made efforts to rectify these biases and acknowledge the significant role of women in shaping history. This shift in perspective has been driven by international women's movements and broader developments in African history since World War II. Scholars have recognized the need to challenge earlier assumptions that African women were passive, docile, and dependent. In Nigeria, as in other parts of Africa, there has been a search for remarkable women whose histories could be celebrated similarly to those of prominent men. However, this approach often overlooked the lives of the majority of women who were not celebrated figures. It was only later that historians began to explore the roles of women in pre-colonial and colonial African societies, as well as their contributions to the struggle against colonialism.

The colonial period witnessed a significant shift in the fortunes of African women, particularly in South Eastern Nigeria. It disrupted the traditional gender roles and economic systems, which had empowered women and accorded them higher status in society. Colonialism eroded women's autonomy and control over agricultural production and trade, resulting in the masculinization of commerce and the economy. Despite this erosion of economic independence, women did not passively accept their fate. Instead, they courageously sustained their families and contributed to the colonial economy.

The integration of the household economy into the international capitalist economy in the early 20th century widened the gap between social classes and genders, exacerbating sexual inequalities. However, as this study will illustrate, Nsukka women remained actively engaged in agriculture, trade, commerce, manufacturing, and the arts and crafts. Their impact on the colonial economy, even in the absence of men who pursued exploitative colonial service and forced labor, cannot be overstated. Nsukka women ensured there was food for their families, and they played a crucial role in harvesting and processing cash crops like palm produce, which were essential to the colonial economy and industrial development. Their contributions helped sustain both the colonial economy and the colonial state. As men abandoned food production for white-collar jobs and business opportunities, women filled the void, taking on increased roles in subsistence agricultural production.

This study highlights the multifaceted contributions of Nsukka women to agriculture, trade, and industry, and how they endeavored to sustain both the local and colonial economies. It explores their involvement in petty trading, long-distance trade, and agriculture, as well as their contributions to crafts, pottery making, weaving, textiles, and manufacturing. The study also examines colonial policies that either positively or negatively affected Nsukka women and the resulting socioeconomic and political consequences.

1.2. Statement of the Research Problem

The period under study (1912-1960) witnessed significant changes in the economic, political, and social institutions of Nsukka Division. The imposition of the colonial economy, driven by British colonial rule, had a profound impact on the region's development. The economy experienced dramatic shifts in various aspects, including the roles of women. The colonial state introduced changes that affected traditional divisions of labor and social structures, particularly in terms of gender. This study aims to analyze how women adapted to these changes during the colonial period.

1.3. Objectives of the Study

The primary objective of this study is to provide a historical account of the role of women in the colonial economy of Nsukka. It seeks to contribute to the existing body of literature on the subject and address the neglected area of women's studies in African and Nigerian history. The study examines the lessons that can be drawn from the past to inform attitudes, practices, and policies that promote equitable development and gender harmony in society. Additionally, this research is intended to serve as source material for the teaching of gender studies and related courses and provide valuable research materials for students in the field. Ultimately, the study aims to enhance our understanding and appreciation of the significant role that women played in the colonial economy.

1.4. Scope of the Study

Nsukka occupies the northernmost portion of South Eastern Nigeria and is situated on the fringes of the rainforest zone. The study area covers what was known as Nsukka Division during the colonial period, which now includes Nsukka, Igbo-Eze North, Igbo-Eze South, Igbo-Etiti, Isi-Uzo, Udenu, and Uzo-Uwani Local Government Areas. Nsukka holds a strategic position in the South East region, serving as a meeting point for traders from the North and the rainforest zone of South Eastern Nigeria. The geographical location provides an opportunity to analyze the role of women in key sectors of the colonial economy, such as palm produce production, agriculture, trade, and commerce, and to examine the impact of colonial rule on women in the region.

The study commences in 1912 when provincial and divisional administration was established in Nsukka by the British colonial administration. It covers significant historical periods, including the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914, World War I (1914-1918), the interwar years (1919-1939), World War II (1939-1945), the era of militant nationalism (1944-1951), the attainment of internal self-government in 1957, and Nigeria's political independence in 1960. These periods serve as the backdrop for examining the evolving roles of women in the colonial economy of Nsukka.

However, several limitations affected this research. The National Archives in Enugu, a primary source repository, lacked materials related to the colonial period due to their relocation to Ibadan during the Nigerian Civil War. The limited availability of data in these archives hindered the research process. Additionally, the field of gender studies in Nigeria was still in its nascent stages, making it challenging to access comprehensive data for reconstructing the role of women. Lastly, financial constraints affected the researcher's ability to travel to Nsukka for oral interviews, and some informants were hesitant to provide information due to fears of government surveillance.

1.5. Theoretical Framework

This study adopts a gender perspective as its theoretical framework During the periods of amalgamation in 1914, the First World War from 1914 to 1918, the inter-war years spanning from 1919 to 1939, the Second World War occurring between 1939 and 1945, the eras of militant nationalism in Nigeria from 1944 to 1951, internal self-government established in 1957, and finally, the attainment of political independence in 1960, which also marks the terminal year of this study, significant historical events shaped the trajectory of Nigeria's colonial history.

However, the research work faced various limitations that hindered its progress. Firstly, and most critically, the National Archives at Enugu lacked substantial materials related to the colonial period. A significant portion of these materials had been relocated to Ibadan during the Nigerian Civil War and had not been returned. The few available resources were photocopies provided by early historians of Igbo extraction. These materials were not easily accessible, even at Ibadan, which presented a considerable challenge in obtaining data for a comprehensive analysis of the research topic.

Secondly, the study encountered difficulties in the area of gender studies, which was still in its early stages of development. Gathering data for a thorough reconstruction of the role of women in the colonial economy proved to be a formidable task.

Lastly, funding posed a significant issue. The researcher needed to travel to Nsukka for oral interviews, and often, funds for transportation were not readily available. Additionally, some informants were hesitant to share certain information, fearing that the researcher might be a government agent sent to spy on them.

Gender, as a category of examination, has gained prominence in various academic fields. This study, focusing on the role of women in the colonial economy, holds paramount importance as it sheds light on gender roles and relations during this period. It explores how women responded to these societal constructs and survived despite hindrances and obstacles to their active participation in development processes. Women, often unsung heroines of the colonial period in Nigeria, played a crucial role in sustaining the colonial economy and ensuring their families' survival.

This research is significant because it reveals how Nsukka women shouldered the burden of their families amid the integration of the household economy into the international capitalist economy. The study also seeks to rectify distortions introduced by both African and Western Eurocentric scholars who employed Western models to analyze African gender relations, resulting in a skewed representation of African women's roles in development. Such distortions often stem from scholars adhering to patriarchal ideologies.

Methodology:

A study of this nature necessitates the utilization of a variety of sources categorized as primary, secondary, and tertiary. These sources provide a body of facts and empirical data for an objective historical reconstruction. The study adopted an interdisciplinary approach to gain a more holistic perspective on the role of women in the colonial economy. It extensively used primary and secondary sources, with oral interviews conducted among adults aged between 60 and 100 years. Archival materials, including those from the National Archives in Enugu and the Aka Ikenga Centre for Historical Documentation, played a crucial role in the research. Published and unpublished materials, such as seminar papers, theses, dissertations, books, professional journals, mimeographs, magazines, and other publications, were also used. Internet sources were cautiously employed due to the presence of unverified and potentially unreliable materials.

The data presentation method was descriptive, analytical, and statistical.

Theoretical Framework:

The study adopts a gender perspective as its theoretical framework. This perspective views gender as a socially constructed concept that encompasses more than just biological differences between males and females. It considers the social characteristics of maleness and femaleness shaped by societal values, traditions, norms, cultures, and religious beliefs. This perspective aids in understanding the roles and status of women and men in society and how development impacts both genders.

Justification of the Study:

This study unveils women's responses to gender relations and their resilience despite manipulation. It sheds light on women's pivotal roles in sustaining both the colonial and post-colonial economies, especially during the integration of the household economy into the international capitalist economy. Additionally, it highlights and rectifies biases and distortions present in previous works, offering a more accurate portrayal of women's contributions and gender relations during these periods.

Review of Relevant Literature:

Existing literature on women in the colonial economy of Nigeria, particularly in Igbo land, presents varying perspectives. Some Western feminist and Eurocentric works exhibit biases and are written from a European standpoint. They often portray African women as oppressed, subjugated, marginalized, and docile, ignoring their strength, ambition, and capabilities. This study aims to address these biases and provide a more balanced perspective.

Several works contributed to this research, such as Hannatu S. Alahira's Ph.D. thesis on the role of women in the colonial economy of Northern Nigeria, G.T. Emeagwali's work on pre-capitalist Igbo society, E.B. Ikpe's edited volume on women and power in Africa, A. Sesay and A. Odebiyi's book on Nigerian women in society and development, and R.N. Uchem's thesis on overcoming women's subordination from an Igbo African and Christian perspective. These works, while informative, often did not comprehensively address the role of women in the colonial economy, which this study aims to rectify.

Summary:

In summary, this introduction sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of women's roles in the colonial economy of Nsukka Division. It outlines the research's objectives, scope, methodology, theoretical framework, and justification. Additionally, it highlights the limitations and challenges faced during the research process and discusses the relevant literature that informed this study.

 

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Author: SPROJECT NG