ÀGBẸ̀LỌBA: OPTIMISM IN LIVELIHOOD DYNAMICS AMONG YORÙBÁ FARMERS OF SOUTHWESTERN NIGERIA
Keywords:
Livelihood security, livelihood construction, divinity, diversification, farmers, YorùbáAbstract
African agricultural discourses are replete with anecdotal economic rhetoric which are typically devoid of humanistic qualities. Yet, agriculture is a major livelihood of people with culturally exclusive knowledge resources. For instance, Yorùbá people extol farmers, they say àgbẹ̀lọba (literarily, farmer is king). This study was designed to explore livelihood dynamics among Yorùbá farmers using a triangulation of qualitative methods. Livelihood dynamics was epitomized as livelihood construction, security and meaning attached to this security. Findings reflect that Yorùbá farmers are dominantly optimistic in their orientation towards their livelihood. They are evidently desirous of livelihood security and they invoke divinity and diversification of livelihood to promote this optimism. Epistemological considerations are pertinent in designating farmer’s conditions and well-being.
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