Phases of Development of the Kuteb Economy from 1960-2018

Haruna Muhammad Suleimuri, PhD

&

Asherum Garba

Department of History & Diplomatic Studies, Faculty of Art Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Agriculture has been the mainstay of Nigerian economy in the pre-colonial and colonial times. Kutebland was not an exception due to its rich vegetation by the virtue of being located in the guinea savannah area, which has contributed to the economic development of Nigeria since 1960. This paper explores and examines the development of the Kuteb economy in southern Taraba since the era of self-determinism. Thus, the paper argues that agriculture has remained the backbone of the Kuteb economy. For adequate analysis, the paper briefly discusses the pre-colonial agricultural economy among the Kuteb. Thereafter, the paper identifies the successive phases of the development of the Kuteb economy in the post-colonial period bringing out the salient features of each of the phases. Finally, the paper examines recent developments, challenges and prospects, and with some recommendations for way forward.

Keywords: Pre-colonial, Kuteb economy and agricultural development.

Introduction

The Kuteb are found predominantly in Takum and Ussa Local Government Areas and Yangtu Special Development Area located in the Middle Benue region. These administrative areas were carved out of former Takum Local Government Area which was created in 1976 by the then General Murtala Mohammed. Former Takum Local Government Area or territory lies between latitude 60 30 and 70 36’N and Longitude 90 40′ and 100 18’E. It shared boundaries with Benue State to the west, Donga LGAto the North-East. While to the South-East lies Kurmi Local Government Area and the Republic of