SOCIAL RELATIONS OF YAM FLOUR PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION IN LAGOS AND OYO STATES, NIGERIA

Abstract

Social Relations (SRs), the network of interactions among members of the society, is a vital component of healthy partnerships among organisations worldwide. Conversely, egoistic motivation for reward and numerous market and institutional failures have challenged healthy relationships among people in informal organisations in Nigeria. Existing studies on SRs have largely focused on formal organisations with scant attention paid to in informal organisations, especially among actors in yam flour (èlùbọ́ ) production and distribution. This study, therefore, examined the social relations (social organisation, exchange value construction, value chain activities, indigenous practices and the socio-demographic characterisation) underlying yam flour production and distribution in Lagos and Oyo states, Nigeria. The Social Action Theory provided the framework, while the qualitative exploratory design was adopted. Lagos and Oyo states were purposively selected due to yam production and distribution linkages existing between them. Saki (Oyo) was purposively selected because it is the hub of yam flour production, while Bodija and Orita-Merin (Oyo), Mushin-Alasalatu and Mile-12 (Lagos) markets were purposively selected because of their high patronage of yam flour from Saki. Nonparticipant observation was conducted among actors involved in the production and distribution of yam flour. Thirty in-depth interviews were conducted with 22 merchants, two each from farmers, peelers and loaders, one each from transporters and farm landlords. Eleven key informant interviews were conducted: one each from farmers, peelers, loaders, transporter and farm landlords, and six with association executives. Three case studies were conducted with an aged farmer, a farm landlord and a merchant. Three focus group discussion sessions were held among farmers, farm landlords and merchants. Data were contentanalysed. Èlùbọ́ production and distribution activities were organised and regulated through established associations guided by both formal and informal rules. Formal rules were written in the association constitution, while informal rules were unwritten norms and values. Affections and emotions in the trade were ritualised and celebrated annually. Exchange values of transactions were negotiated leveraging on mutually beneficial relationships. Activities and relationships relative to the production and distribution chain were dependent as farmers, peelers, loaders, merchants and transporters relied on one another to complete the production and distribution process of èlùbọ́ . The merchants (olówò) were the main financiers of the value chain; thus, rendering other actors, particularly the farmers, vulnerable. Indigenous practices, such as traditional mulching, was used in soil management, while drying on mountains, cayenne pepper or cassia leaves were used to preserve the èlùbọ́ . Èlùbọ́ production and distribution processes engaged both male and female, old and young. However, farming and transportation were maledominated, while peeling and trading were dominated by females. The quest for personal gains, market and institutional failures have challenged social relations in yam flour production and distribution in Lagos and Oyo states, Nigeria. There is a need for an actor centred policy formulation and implementation by governments. The appropriate authorities should provide more intervention programmes to enhance social relations and yam flour production and distribution.