Igala Technology
Igala Technology
Author(s):
Edited By
Type: Article
Country: Nigeria
Language: English
Content:: Non Academic
Source: Edo State Archives
Timeline: The Contemporary Age - From 1950 to present
Published: 2024
Download here
Description
The technology landscape among the Igala people, predominantly located in Kogi State, Nigeria, is a blend of traditional practices and modern technological advancements. This technological profile covers agricultural tools, craftsmanship, information and communication technology (ICT), and innovations in various sectors.
Traditional Technologies
Traditional technologies in Igala society are deeply rooted in their cultural heritage and daily practices:
Agricultural Tools: The Igala people have traditionally used simple farming tools such as hoes, cutlasses, and digging sticks for their agricultural activities. These tools are suited to the cultivation of staple crops like yams, cassava, maize, and millet.
Craftsmanship: The Igala are known for their craftsmanship, particularly in blacksmithing, weaving, and pottery. Blacksmiths in Igala produce farming tools, weapons, and household items using traditional methods, while weaving and pottery are important for creating textiles and ceramics used in daily life.
Agricultural Innovations
Recent developments have introduced modern agricultural technologies to enhance productivity:
Improved Seed Varieties: The adoption of high-yield and disease-resistant crop varieties, such as improved cassava and maize, has been a significant step towards increasing agricultural output.
Mechanized Farming: The introduction of small-scale mechanized equipment, like motorized plows and milling machines, has begun to replace some of the manual labor involved in farming, though its adoption is still in the early stages.
Post-Harvest Technologies: Innovations such as modern drying techniques, storage facilities, and processing machines for crops like cassava and yam help in reducing post-harvest losses and improving food security.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
The integration of ICT in Igala society is gradually expanding:
Mobile Technology: Mobile phones are increasingly used for communication, accessing agricultural information, and conducting financial transactions. Mobile banking has become more common, enabling easier access to financial services.
Internet Connectivity: Internet access is slowly spreading, especially in urban centers like Idah, the traditional capital of the Igala people. This access allows for better connectivity to global resources, online education, and e-commerce opportunities, though rural areas still face challenges in connectivity.
Education and Skill Development
Education and training are key to advancing technological adoption in Igala land:
Vocational Training: Vocational schools and training centers provide education in technical skills, including computer literacy, agricultural best practices, and other trades.
Educational Institutions: Institutions such as the Kogi State University in Anyigba offer higher education and training that include technology-related courses, helping to prepare the younger generation for a more technology-driven future.
Craft and Small-Scale Industries
Small-scale industries remain an important part of the Igala economy:
Textiles and Weaving: Traditional textile production and weaving are still practiced, though there is an increasing use of modern techniques and materials. These industries support local economies and preserve cultural heritage.
Blacksmithing and Metalwork:
Blacksmithing continues to be an essential industry, producing tools and items for local use, with some gradual modernization in the methods and materials used.
Challenges
The Igala region faces several challenges in advancing technology:
Infrastructure: Poor infrastructure, including unreliable electricity and inadequate road networks, hampers the adoption and efficient use of modern technology.
Access and Affordability: Many people, especially in rural areas, have limited access to modern technologies due to high costs and lack of availability.
Skill Gaps: There is a need for more extensive education and training programs to build technical skills and digital literacy among the population.
Opportunities
Opportunities for technological development in the Igala region include:
Government and NGO Initiatives: Support from government programs and non-governmental organizations can enhance infrastructure and technology access, particularly in rural areas.
Tech Hubs and Entrepreneurship: Establishing technology hubs and encouraging entrepreneurship can foster innovation and the adoption of modern technologies in the region.
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between government, private sector, and educational institutions can drive technological progress and support sustainable development.
References
-Ezeh, P.I. (2018). *Traditional and Modern Technologies in Igala Society*. Lokoja: Kogi State University Press.
Ogu, F.I. (2020). "Agricultural and Technological Development among the Igala," *Journal of Nigerian Rural Development Studies*, 10(2), pp. 41-55.
Idris, M.A. (2019). *ICT Adoption and Economic Development in Kogi State: The Igala Experience*. Ibadan: Nigerian Technology Review Press.
Join The African Archives
The African Archives is a global network of researchers, archivists that is open to anyone with interest in documenting African's history. There are many ways to contribute to the archive: as an individual or as an institution looking to share its content online, as a professional archivist, as a history researcher, or as someone with a love for cultural heritage. You may join as a: