HUMAN RELATIONSHIP TO THE LAND IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA.

This article will present a brief analysis of what the writer believes are the most significant factors which make for attachment to the land in native Ibo communities of Southeastern Nigeria. These people cultivate the soil in accordance with the general West African pattern of hoe culture. The first factor and undoubtedly the most significant is, of course, this basic technique of land cultivation which makes possible a closer attachment to a restricted area than, for example, would be true among most hunting and gathering peoples who must exploit a wide territory to achieve a satisfactory food supply. It is well known that not all agriculturalists remain in a permanent habitation. Iroquois villages, for example, had to transfer to new sites at intervals of about fifteen years and certain Borneo groups had to move periodically because of soil exhaustion. However, in the Okigwi area, about 50 miles northwest of Ozuitem, the population density is well over one thousand persons to the square mile. Despite relatively intensive cultivation, it is extremely doubtful whether the simple agricultural techniques practised by these people could completely support the population of these crowded areas.