Menu Close

The Changing Nature of Groundnut Production in Babura and Garki Districts, Kano Emirate, C. 1903-1960

This paper examines groundnut production in Babura and Garki districts and the role it played in the socio-economic development of the two districts. Groundnut had been grown in the districts for domestic consumption for centuries before it was produced for commercial purposes particularly during British rule (1903-1960). Groundnut, known in Hausa as gyada. It was cultivated both within and environs of Babura and Garki in commercial quantity and sold in order to pay the British taxes. It was brought for sale to Babura and Garki towns from surrounding villages and towns. However, the nuts were brought to Babura town for sale from Niger Republic vice-versa. This had contributed to the establishment and development of buying centers in both towns leading to the coming of Europeans firms to the areas. Consequently, these developments brought significant socio-economic changes to the districts. The methodology adopted for this research relies on both primary and secondary sources. This includes the examination of available published and unpublished materials such as books, journal articles, reports, policy documents, conference and seminar papers, as well as a critical analysis of relevant literature. In addition, oral interviews were conducted to obtain firsthand information relevant to the study.

Keywords: Groundnut, Production, Export and Impact.