Traditional African understanding of Wealth and Poverty

30/9/2020

TRADITIONAL AFRICAN UNDERSTANDING OF WEALTH AND POVERTY

Wealth

Traditional African understanding of Wealth and Poverty

In African traditional societies wealth was measured in terms of the amount of land, livestock, grains, wives, children possessed by an individual or the community.

Acquiring wealth in T.A.S (Traditional African Society)

Wealth was acquired in various ways:-

As a gift from God
Most Africans believe that wealth is a blessing from God
Inheritance
In cases where the head of the family is dead, the eldest son becomes the custodian of the estate. The clan and community elders give direction on how the wealth is to be shared out
Through payment of bride wealth
such as dowry
Farming
either animal farming or crop farming
Exploitation of natural resources
honey, wood for carving, building materials etc
Trade (Through barter trade)
exchange of goods and services with the aim of making a profit. African communities were involved in barter trade where they exchanged good and services
Raids and warfare
wealth was also acquired by raiding other communities with the aim of stealing goats, sheep and other livestock.
Receiving gifts
from parents, relatives, friends and well wishers
Through hard work, Use of skills and art
in areas such as blacksmith, pottery, wood carving, weaving etc.
Through compensation
settling of disputes resulted to compensation if not of punishment. Compensation was in fines counted with material wealth.
Religious specialists were paid for their services.
services such as medicine-man, sorcery, witch services and other religious and cultural practices attracted wealth through payment of services.

Assignment

State seven ways of acquiring wealth in traditional African communities

Acceptable ways of acquiring wealth in T.A.S

Blessings from God/gift.
Inheritance from parents.
Payment of bride’s wealth.
Farming /livestock.
Exploiting natural resources such as forests.
Barter trade.
Marrying many wives/having many children.

Cattle

People were encouraged to work hard to acquire wealthy honestly
Wealthy people were highly regarded and were considered for leadership position
Wealth was incomplete without a family

Poverty

Poverty was viewed as punishment or curse for wrongdoing. Other causes of poverty according to African Traditional Society were: -

Laziness
Lack of inheritance
Raids by other communities
Famine
Natural calamities
Sickness — rendering the individual weak to acquire wealth

In acquiring wealth, principles such as value for human life, mutual responsibility, and sharing, communal ownership were emphasized
Places that were communal include grazing land, rivers, and watering places
Laziness was ridiculed through songs, riddles and proverbs.

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List seven ways in which wealth is acquired in traditional African communities. (7 marks)

Wealth is acquired through inheritance
Through payment of bride wealth/dowry
Through farming/livestock rearing
Through barter trade/exchange of goods/services
By marrying many wives/having many children
Through raids/wars
By using skills/talents
By utilizing natural/available resources
Through receiving gifts.

Explain how introduction of money affected traditional African society

Led to individualization/ unwillingness to share resources
Many children and wives are viewed as ability not wealth
Communal ownership of land( as unifying factor) is no longer respected/ people use family land to make money
Dowry has been commercialized
Human labor has become a commodity to be sold replacing traditional communal work
Has led to creation of social classes- rich and poor
Cost of living has risen because everything is acquired through money
There is unfair competition for prices of goods or services between local and multi- national enterprises
There is dependence on foreign aid, which has undermined the virtue of hard work to earn a living
There is a struggle to acquire wealth to which has undermined people’s commitment to worship my God
There is power struggle to acquire a protect wealth
Led to decline in subsistence family creative shortage of food stuffs

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2 Comments

MAURICE ATIKA link

17/11/2023 05:51:50

Explain the use of wealth in Africans society

17/11/2023 05:52:54

The use of wealth in African society varies across different cultures and regions, as the continent is diverse with numerous distinct societies and traditions. It's important to note that Africa is not a homogeneous entity, and practices related to wealth can differ significantly between countries and ethnic groups. However, there are some common themes and principles that can be observed in the use of wealth in African societies:

Social Responsibility: Wealth in many African societies is often seen as a communal asset rather than an individual possession. Those who have accumulated wealth are generally expected to use it for the benefit of their extended family, clan, or community. This can include supporting family members, contributing to community development projects, or providing assistance during times of need.

Status and Prestige: In some African cultures, wealth is associated with social status and prestige. Accumulating wealth can be seen as a measure of success and can elevate an individual's standing within their community. Displaying wealth through possessions, such as luxurious items or large houses, may be a way to demonstrate one's achievements and influence.

Philanthropy and Sharing: Generosity and sharing are highly valued in many African societies. Individuals who have acquired wealth are often expected to engage in acts of philanthropy, such as donating to charitable causes, supporting community initiatives, or assisting those less fortunate. Sharing wealth is seen as a way to foster unity, reciprocate social obligations, and address societal inequalities.

Support for Education: Education is frequently considered a pathway to success in African societies, and wealth is often invested in the education and development of younger generations. Wealthy individuals may provide financial support for educational opportunities, such as scholarships, school infrastructure, or vocational training programs, with the aim of empowering the community and fostering future success.

Cultural Celebrations and Ceremonies: Wealth often plays a significant role in cultural celebrations and ceremonies in African societies. Events such as weddings, funerals, and coming-of-age rituals may involve significant financial contributions from individuals or families. These contributions not only help to ensure the success and grandeur of the event but also strengthen social bonds and demonstrate the support and solidarity within the community.

Economic Development and Entrepreneurship: In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on using wealth for economic development and entrepreneurship in African societies. Wealthy individuals may invest in businesses, startups, or initiatives that create employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and contribute to the overall development of their communities and nations.

It is important to recognize that these observations are generalizations, and practices related to wealth can vary greatly within and between African societies. Additionally, the impact of globalization and modernization has influenced the ways in which wealth is perceived and utilized in contemporary African contexts.