TRADE IN BORNO GUM ARABIC: 1902-1960
Abubakar Mohammed & Ibrabim A. Modu
Department of History
University of Maiduguri
Email: Braskolee15@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Trade in Gum Arabic predates colonial era. Gum Arabic was exported through Tran-Sahara Trade. The people of Borno collected the Gum in the forest and brought it to market, sometimes by women and it was in small quantities. The colonial Government in the 20th century came to Borno and encouraged Kanuris through their Shehu (Emir) to take to Gum Arabic trade. This was done through the involvement of the European companies who purchased the commodities in tonnaged and export it to England and other European countries. This paper intends to trace the organization of Gum Arabic trade in Borno between 1902 and 1960. The pricing and emergence as well as the roles of the indigenous Gum Arabic traders. The significance of this Gum Arabic trade led to the provision of employment for about 6000 people from different districts within colonial Borno. It is also significances for it led to the protection of Gum Arabic trees from destructions by both people and animals. Hence, the creation of forest reserve circle in Borno for the development of Gum Arabic trade.