Abstract:
The 1946 constitution of Nigeria was the first to regionalize political power in Nigeria, followed by the 1951and 1954 constitutions; the later deepened the forms and shape of regional government in Nigeria. It was also the constitution that systematized the revenue system thus making derivative principle the cardinal revenue allocation format for the three regions. This economic principle spurred the colonial government to modify her agricultural policies as well as the regional governments of Nigeria at independence for a ‘sustainable and reliable economy.’ The Eastern regional government under Dr. M.I. Okpara inspired by the Israeli Moshavim Farm Settlement Scheme, pioneered the establishment of farm settlements in Abak, Erei, Boki, Igbariam, Ohaji, Ulonna and Uzo-Uwani areas of the region. These farm settlements were to stem rural-urban migrations, generate revenue, curb social vices and create employment opportunities. Sadly, the huge expectations its establishment raised were dashed following the horrendous Nigeria-Biafra Civil War and official neglect after the war as a result of the oil bloom of the 1970s and the systematic and total reliance on oil by successive governments. There appears to be lack of enthusiasm among scholars’, leaders and governments in the Region to push for the revival of the Farm Settlements across the Region and the rest of Nigeria. Ironically, scholars have neglected this area of scholarship over time thus making extant literature scarce. This work hopes to fill this obvious gap in historical knowledge by reappraising the achievements and challenges of Igbariam Farm Settlement between 1961-1979. Using archival sources for the interpretation of the study area, newspapers, journals, personal diaries and other extant secondary sources, the research suggests a reappraisal of Igbariam Farm Settlement Scheme in the defunct Eastern Nigeria. In this regard, qualitative and quantitative methodology will be used in the course of the interpretation of results. The theory of individual/opportunity nexus and population theory will be employed to ascertain which of the two will be dominant in the study as regards to the present economic situation in the country.
