TRADE, ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SOCIAL CHANGE IN BETTE-BENDI, 1960-2000

Abstract

This paper examines how past undertakings and later engagements, trade and economic activities greatly expanded to support the overall growth of the Bette-Bendi area of the Upper Cross River region since independence, 1960-2000. The paper posits that economic production in post-colonial Bette-Bendi was the basis for the consolidation of trade, entrepreneurship and social change in the area. Factors that were responsible for the consolidation will be examined in terms of their impact on trade, economic growth and social change in the area during the period under review. The work depended on both primary and secondary sources of data. While primary data were collected from informants from the Bette-Bendi area using structured interview guide, secondary sources consisted of extant secondary literature. Data collected were analyzed qualitatively based on the specific objectives of this study. The research adopts the “vent-for-surplus†theory developed by Hla Myint. The theory posits that colonialism aided development in backward economies through expansion of agriculture and trade, construction of infrastructure such as roads, the railway and other means of communication, and introduction of foreign consumer goods and other inducements which enticed the producer to put more effort in production. The work concludes that, in spite of their rudimentary technology, the early years of the Bette-Bendi post-colonial economy was a diversified and vibrant economy which supported trade, economic growth and social change.