Philosophical Foundations of Bette-Bendi Indigenous Economy

Abstract

This paper is focused on the philosophical foundations of the pre-colonial economy of the Bendi in Cross River State of Nigeria. It pays particular attention to what informed the economic decisions the people took, which enabled them to build a stable egalitarian agrarian economy in the pre-colonial era. Up to the eve of their colonial subjugation and integration into the capitalist world, the economy of the Bendi was communal, without anyone aspiring to have undue advantage over others in the ownership of production resources. In land ownership or labour force possession, unfair advantage was either non-existence or it was greatly reduced by communal land ownership, common communal exploitation of forest resources and interfamilial mutual aid in labour recruitment. The pre-colonial economic structures and philosophies of the Bendi made it impossible for capitalists, landed exploiters, loiterers and idlers to emerge among them. Though Bendi still stands in the same place in this industrial and information age, there has been a negative impact on the foundation of its economy, which has become grossly incapable of meeting the economic yearnings and aspirations of the people. Today, exploitation, selfishness, theft and greed have eclipsed the humane, fair and altruistic disposition of the Bendi. Though it is no longer feasible that the Bendi recreate its exact economy of the pre-colonial era, it is important that she rebuild and resuscitate the unique aspects of her pre-colonial economy and, by so doing, work towards an equitable sustainable economic development. It is hoped that the analysis in this paper can lead the Bendi, nay Nigeria away from the current selfish, predatory and callous economic decisions that have left many people unemployed and economically decrepit.