Economic Change in Sakwa 1850-1962

Abstract

This is a study of economic change in Sakwa. examines Sakwa's pre-colonial system analyses their encounter the capitalist production introduced theoretical concepts commercialization, with through of production colonialism. employed mode of The basic diversification, adaptation and articulation. They are central understanding of change is engendered of the dynamics Within process, a given historical the environment society, contradictions contributed thus, leading as well as the development appropriation entities featuring tensions situation. Sakwa that took place the direction of new to technological of novel means development of material We hence underscore the engine economies the of change that set the into vibrant a thorough-going levels of commercialization, history and internal in the evolution and argue that it provided Sakwa's pre-colonial because of the pre-colonial and existence. role of the environment to the that occurs therein and tensions in determining consciousness change by the contradictions prevalent within and in the study are; innovation, being a dialectical It and dynamic pace of change at the innovation,diversification and adaptation.The imperialist subjugation systematic articulation of local economies capitalist economy, led to marked the forms and relations of Sakwa, and the distortions of, production. and agencies of articulation were with both within Notable education, the forces trade, theoppressive execution and operationalization of colonial policy through local administrative officials whose co-option put them as facilitators of economic exploitation and material expropriation. They were to execute policies designed by the colonialists upon which capitalist economy was to be established. Taxation was introduced in running the administration economic undertakings. to help the capitalist on the indigenous state lay in the development wage labour, the introduction capitalism.capital and to support Further assaults economy by the colonial the manipulation to generate of market of commodity of production and forces to serve be needs of These measures distorted of production which had hitherto the domestic existed. forms The argument that therefore goes is that, the process of articulation between the indigenous Sakwa economies and the capitalist one was marked by changes which were inhibitive pre-colonial (indigenous) production forms. It precipitated economic' disequilibrium between economies and also contributed existing inequalities social differentiation to the the two in amplifying the pre- that in effect led to distinctive in the society. From the foregoing, it is important to note that change was an aspect of both the pre-colonial the colonial society of Sakwa. as well as The differences processes of change during the two periods in the should, however be understood from the fact that, in the later case, changes took place with a capitalist no reflection on the Kinship orientation orientation and had which had characterised the former. system the primary maximization, While under focus in production under the kinship production was focused the capitalist was on profit (indigenous) on satisfying system, the basic needs. ~ . Despite its aberrant colonial economy gainsaid. moneterised towards It brought of production, tendencies, positive the contribution change be forth new tools and new techniques new crops and new market exchange cannot of modes. systems bas