Slavery And Slave Trade as Agents of Underdevelopment in Igboland; The Experience

Abstract

About early fifteenth century, some European explorers landed in the coastal lines of West Africa purposely for business transactions. Little did West Africans know that the business transactions between the Portuguese (the first explorers) and the West Africans would invariably attract other European countries including France, Britain, Belgium, Germany and Italy. The trading competition that ensued among these European countries with their African counterparts started changing in dimension and philosophy. The initial idea of buying West African agricultural produce changed and trade in humans took over. The idea was to increase the labour force in America and European countries. For the purpose of this study, our scope will be Ikwo clan of Igboland, the Ikwo, underdevelopment, slavery and slave trade will be discussed. The method of study employed was historical and descriptive research study method. Findings include impact of slavery and slave trade. Finally, recommendations and conclusion.

Keyword: Slavery, Slave Trade and Underdevelopment.