PRE-COLONIAL ISOKO ECONOMY

This work is a concise effort to critically analyze and explore the aspects of Isoko economy, as it pertains to agriculture; fishing and hunting inclusive, industry and trade. The method of acquiring land for the purpose of farming or for carrying out the economic activities is also given equal attention up to 1900. Geographically, the general topography of Isokoland is flat, and much of it is subject to annual flooding. Two distinct floods are distinguished by their causes, as well as period of occurrences, which include the heavy local rainfall, while the other is caused by flood water coming from the river Niger. The influence of the
flood pattern on economic activities is substantial, as shall be exposed in this work. However, the most outstanding physical features of the area are the two great swamps running Northeast and Southwest with a relative highland between them. Located in present day Delta State of Southern Nigeria, Isokoland is divided into two local government areas