The Impact of Globalization on Local Economic Activities in Moro, Kwara State, Nigeria, 2000 – 2020

Cite this article: Kewulere, O. W. and Jawondo, I. A. 2023. The Impact of Globalization on Local Economic Activities in Moro, Kwara State, Nigeria, 2000 – 2020. Sokoto Journal of History Vol. 12. Pp. 102-114. www.doi.org/10.36349/sokotojh.2023.v12i01.009

The Impact of Globalization on Local Economic Activities in Moro, Kwara State, Nigeria, 2000 – 2020

Mr. KEWULERE, Olayimika Wasiu
Department of Religions, History and Heritage Studies, Faculty of Arts, Kwara State University, Malete, Kwara State, Nigeria
Email: wasiu.kewulere@Kwasu.edu.ng  or abdulwasiolayimika@gmail.com
Tel: 08135501419 

and

Professor JAWONDO, Ibrahim Abdulganiyu, Ph.D. (Second author) 
Department of History and International Studies, University of Ilorin, Ilorin Kwara State, Nigeria
Email: Jawondo.ia@unilorin.edu.ng
Tel: 08035015242

Abstract: Globalization is a process of interaction and integration among people, companies, and governments worldwide. With the advances in communication, transportation, and technology, this process has increased in intensity and has become increasingly more prevalent in the 21st century. Globalization has affected local, national, and worldwide economic activities since the turn of the millennium, with local areas receiving enormous impact. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to investigate the degree to which economic activities have been impacted by globalization, especially during the first two decades of the twenty-first century. It adopts historical research method in data collection and analytical approach in presenting them. Because writers often ignore the region's economic past, a large amount of the material comes from oral interviews, which fills in the information gaps.

Keywords: Economy, Globalization, Growth, Moro, Kwara

Introduction

Moro Local Government Area is one of the sixteen local government areas in Kwara state, Nigeria. It is a rural environment that was created in 1973 out of some five Districts of Ilorin emirate (Malete, Ejidongaqri, Paiye, Oloru and Lanwa)^[i] The physical land form of the area was mainly a plain land with grasses. It has an area of about 3,272 km² and a population of about 108,792 as at the 2006 national population census.^[ii] Traditional economy of Moro was built around farming, hunting, crafts making, charcoal production, food production and trading etc.^[iii] The choice of these economic activities revolved around the natural features of the area. The climate and soil of the environment played pivotal roles on farmers’ annual lucrative harvests. The atmosphere was habitable and the soil was fertile for farming activities. There were also experiences of mean rainfall of 1200mm concentration between April and October, with mean annual temperature that varied between 31.5⁰C and 35⁰C.^[iv]

Since the pre-colonial period, the effectiveness of the political leaderships of the area in managing free flow of selling and buying at its markets with the supervision of markets heads cannot be over emphasized. Availability of local roads also made mobility of products from farms to market areas easy, through human portage. It was on the influence of the above features that the economic activities of the area remained significant and major contributors to the economic buoyancy of Ilorin emirate throughout the period.^[v] In the colonial period, the traditional economy of Moro became impacted with colonial activities such as military actions at Ilorin which facilitated increase in population and transactions at Moro, construction of rail lines which attracted foreign merchants, introduction of new currencies which encouraged members of the communities to adopting additional sources of income, price control and provision of market infrastructures that aided markets expansion and sales extension etc. These and other colonial activities laid solid foundation for post-colonial economic endeavours in the area.^[vi] Successive post-colonial governments have also in different ways contributed significantly to the growth and challenges of the traditional economic activities in the area. While the economy remained buoyant, it became rapidly transformed through globalization. The objective of this paper therefore is to interrogate the extent of the impact of globalization on the economy of Moro LGA of Kwara state, in respect of some modern economy boosting and developmental activities that have evolved in the area.^[vii]

Conceptual Discussion

Globalization refers to a multidimensional set of social processes that create, multiply, stretch, and intensify worldwide social interdependencies and exchanges, while at the same time fostering in people a growing awareness of deepening connections between the local and the distant.^[viii] Globalization is relatively a new term that made its dictionary debut in 1961^[ix], and was rarely used until 1980s by the academics.^[x] It subsequently became commonly used since the end of the cold war in 1989.^[xi] There are different and inter-connected types of globalization which include economic, political, social and religious globalization. Economic globalization (which is the focus of this paper) is the diminution or elimination of state-enforced restrictions on exchanges across borders and the increasingly integrated and complex global system of production and exchange that has emerged as a result.^[xii]

Economic globalization is the free movement of goods, services and people across the world.^[xiii] It is the type of globalization that offers developing countries (and local communities) the opportunity to create wealth through export-led growth, to expand international trade in goods and services and to gain new ideas, technology and institutional designs.^[xiv] It brought about evolvement of modern economic activities and transformation of traditional or local ones in the rural communities. As opined by Farington and Mitchel, the penetration of rural markets by global goods and increased services with consequent implications for consumption and welfare were manifestations of global economic processes relevance in the rural communities.^[xv]

Nigeria like all other states has felt the impact of globalization on its economy as it imparted on its domestic economic policies, livelihood strategies and socio-cultural structures and practices.^[xvi] In the same vein, the economy of the local communities in each state in Nigeria generally experienced the impact of globalization in aspects such as liberalization of international trade as well as marketers for agricultural products, commercialization of agriculture and expansion of agro-industries, rural livelihood diversification, intensification of international and internal labour migration, increasing privatization of resources and services, structural adjustment ideas and wider use of information and communication technology.^[xvii] Like in other rural environments in Nigeria, the extent of the influence of globalization on the local economy of Moro has become so obvious that it became pertinent for this study to be carried out.

Globalization and Local Economy

Economic globalization brought about a fundamental shift in the local economy. It caused a form of movement from the world in which local economies were comparatively self-contained entities and isolated from each other by barriers to cross-border form of trade and investments which is unrestricted by distance, time zones, languages or national differences in government regulations, culture and business systems. It brought about unlimited freedom for local economic activities through a global environment in which barriers to cross-border trade and investment are declining; where perceived distance is shrinking due to advances in transportation and telecommunications technology; where material culture is starting to look similar the world over; and where local economies are merging into an interdependent, integrated global economic system.^[xviii]

This economic globalization reflects the continuing expansion and mutual integration of market frontiers, and it is an irreversible trend for the economic development in the whole world at the turn of the millennium. The rapid growing significance of information in all types of productive activities and marketization are the two major driving forces for economic globalization. In other words, the fast globalization of the world’s economies in recent years is largely based on the rapid development of science and technologies, and it has resulted from the environment in which market economic system has been fast spreading throughout the world. It also developed on the basis of increasing cross-border division of labour that has been penetrating down to the level of production chains within enterprises of different countries.^[xix]

In the contemporary times, with the increase of transport, communication and technology links among local communities and nations, the mobility of finance and production factors among countries has also increased.^[xx] There are increases in exchange of currency, free flow of capital, movement of people and flow of information. Strategic changes have occurred in the businesses as targeted markets are limitless. The entire world community has now been made business target as a result of improvement in economic globalization.^[xxi] This is because, when properly managed, the increase in globalization trends positively affects competition and growth of local economy.^[xxii] This was the case of Moro local government area of Kwara state since 2000.

Impact of Globalization on Economic Activities in Moro

At the wake of globalization and especially at the beginning of the new millennium in year 2000, the economy of Moro became impacted and as the result of the modernization of traditional economic activities and introduction of some non-traditional and modern economic activities. Farming as a traditional economic activity of Moro became influenced by globalization in several aspects. On the aspects of labour, globalization brought about the employment of labour of persons of foreign origin. Labourers from Togo and Benin Republic flooded Moro.^[xxiii] Their labour became more sorted for, and they were addressed with names of their countries of origin, Togo or Benin. There was also the craving for the services of persons from Benue state of Nigeria. These people were mostly referred to as Mokudi (a bastardized form of Makurdi, the capital of Benue state).^[xxiv] Presence of these foreign labourers in Moro was factorised by intensification of international and internal labour migration which are impacts of globalization. Restricted but coordinated movement of goods and persons within ECOWAS member states was also another globalization aiding factor for the presence of international labour migrants in Moro. The labourers were mostly recruited by group leaders who coordinated and sponsored their transportation down to Moro. The group leaders usually took responsibility of their transportation and feeding down to Moro. He was also responsible for allocating them to prospective labour employers after accommodating them into available lodges.^[xxv]

Labour by these non-indigenes on farmlands was considered more effective and significant. They appeared more buoyant, agile and strong. Their physical appearance have not been proved wrong as large farm owners in Moro had continuously settled for their labour as a result of their being proactive. Their technique of land cultivation was of no match. They possessed certain types of hoe that made it easier for them to plough larger quantity of soil at a stance.^[xxvi] Some of these foreign labourers also requested for pieces of lands for personal farming. They worked on their personal farms at leisure times. The farm products were mostly consumed by them and their associates. At the death of any of the foreign labourers who had farmlands, his or her relatives took possession of the crops. This was the case of Sogo whose land was later taken over by Baba-Dudu at Akata-Olosun village in Malete district, Moro.^[xxvii]

Employment of the labour of these foreign labourers largely contributed to the annual quantity of the farm products from Moro. It consequently contributed largely to the growth of farming which was a major determinant of Moro traditional economy. At each market day of respective markets in the five districts in Moro, the effects of the roles of the foreign labourers was observed on the tons of farm produces that were acquired from the markets.^[xxviii] This development cannot be justly addressed except as influence of economic globalization in the area.

After working as labourers under their coordinators for a complete calendar year, each one of them who must have been permanently affixed to a particular large farm stood the chance of getting a new motorcycle as wage. The motorcycles were afterwards used as means of transportation back to their communities of origin. Other labourers that were not opportune to be affixed to any large farm got paid for the extent of land he or she must have worked on. This was paid immediately after completion of the assignment at the farmland.^[xxix]

Another major aspect from which globalization has aided the economy of Moro was the introduction of mechanised farming. The introduction of modern science and technology oriented machines into farming in Moro boosted the quantity of agricultural outputs. Machines used for ploughing and cultivation of farmlands were introduced into Moro by private farm owners around 2005, and later by the government around 2010.^[xxx] The private farm owners made judicious use of the machines on their personal farms, and rented same out to other members of the area who could afford their cost of rent. The rent charge per machine was around Seven-thousand naira daily.^[xxxi] These machines made farming easier in Moro as large farm owners could then depend on it for faster accomplishment of goals on their respective farmlands. The machines on the government owned farmlands such as the farm situated at Asomu village in Oloru Districts were managed by the Kwara State Ministry of Agriculture.^[xxxii] Globalization also made trade in cashew nut relevant. Cashew farms which were part of the major economic focus of the colonial government were abandoned by successive Nigerian government. However, cashew nuts in the recent times have been demanded at local communities by multi-national companies that produced butter, yoghurt, cheese etc.^[xxxiii] Cashew farm owners in Moro have since the wake of globalization enjoyed continuous patronage by local pickers and gatherers of cashew nuts. The nuts were usually gathered in sacks and sold to dealers in large quantities at Moro markets.^[xxxiv]

Charcoal production which was an integral part of traditional economy of Moro became more influenced by globalization as the world communities continued to interact with little or no restriction, especially through the social media. While patronizers of Moro charcoal producers from neighbouring communities and states in Nigeria caused continuous growth of the business in the area, its patronizers from outside Nigeria tremendously supported its large contribution to the advancement of the economy of the area in the twenty-first century.

Globalization made possible the continuous exploration of local communities in Moro LGA, especially Ejidongari, by foreigners who were in search of raw materials such as charcoal. Exploration of the area brought about fruitful interactions between the locals and the foreign explorers. For example at Ejidongari, some Chinese nationals that were informed about abundant production of charcoal in the area explored the place and initiated negotiation with the producers. They were informed of the traditional economic activity that turned into an international one by one Mr. Lukuman, an indigene of the community who resided in Lagos. Those Chinese nationals usually bought charcoal in loads of sealed bags and then loaded them in containers. The containers were then locked and driven to Apapa port in Lagos state; from where they were transported abroad.^[xxxv] Effects of globalization as exemplified in patronization of charcoal producers in the area included provision of readily available markets for their products. This made them to assume security of job for those whom were employed as labourers by each head of the charcoal production group or family. This made its production to be continuous, even when most residents of the area did not subscribe to its use. They saw use of fire woods as a better option for cooking.^[xxxvi] The money realised by the charcoal producers, especially from their foreign customers, was also mostly used in employment of labourers on farmlands, thus facilitating flow of currency and growth of other segments of the area’s economy.^[xxxvii]

Globalization also influenced availability of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) oriented businesses in Moro LGA. It facilitated establishment of several café outlets in the area, especially at Malete and its environs. This concentration in Malete and its environs was because the community hosted Kwara State University, where there was continuous need for the services of ICT operators.^[xxxviii]

Some handful of computer operators also provided internet and printing services at Shao and Bode-Sadu.^[xxxix] Internet challenge was common at Ejidongari and Paiye districts, thus making computer services scarce in the areas.^[xl] Activities of the computer and internet service providing companies varied. They all provided services on document typing/ typesetting and printing. Other business owners of both private and public status engaged services of the café operators for printing and photocopying both official and personal documents. Academic staff members of KWASU engaged the café operators’ services in providing most of their academic papers. Students also engaged their services in printing assignments, term papers and final year projects. The services provided by the café operators earned them reasonable amount as daily income,^[xli] as they became contented ICT self-employed individuals. Their daily income from the café business was close to that of white-collar jobs’ employees.^[xlii]

Advancement in science and technology brought about solution to cash scarcity and provided alternative to physical presence at banks as the sole available option for currency withdrawal. Instead of visiting banks for cash withdrawal behind the counters or at the Alternative Teller Machine (ATM) spots (after possible several hours of queue), the knowledge of science and technology brought about invention of Point of Sales (POS) machines. POS machine is the device with keyboards into which visa debit cards pin is entered for onward payment at the points of goods purchase.^[xliii] The machine made transfer and withdrawal of cash easier. Economic globalization brought about its uses at rural communities such as Moro LGA, because the area was experiencing increase in economic activities that involved banking activities.^[xliv] The need for POS business would not have been so high in the area, but the lack of commercial banks made a large portion of entrepreneurs in the area patronizers of the business. The establishment of KWASU Microfinance bank in 2013 and its commencement of operations in 2015 after getting the licence to operate^[xlv] could not solve the currency problems of businesses in the area. This was as a result of limitations such as low publicity, weak public relations techniques, proximity of the bank to other districts in Moro etc.^[xlvi] POS business was owned and managed by both indigenes and non-indigenes of Moro LGA.

Unlike in the other three districts, up until the year 2023, POS business was not popular in Paiye and Ejidongari districts and their environs due to challenges such as lack of adequate power supply, absence of internet facilities etc. Lack of such facilities largely reduced the growth of modern economic activities in the areas. The internet challenge in the two districts was so devastating that the use of headphone was not common. The few individuals who had hand phones and resided in the areas had to hang the phones on objects such as trees while calling-out or receiving a phone call.^[xlvii]

POS operators in the Moro charged more for their services and they were duly patronized. Unlike in Ilorin where there were several banks that served as major option for money withdrawal, Moro had only one bank which could not serve five percent of its population. The profit made by operators in Moro facilitated more investment in the business. POS. operators whose villages were more remote from the central markets where the business was enjoying more patronage established their outlets at the markets for adequate patronage.^[xlviii]

Photo studios and image making firms in Moro have also become modernised with the aid of globalization. Globalization brought about the use of sophisticated machines in the making of photos and frames. Digital technology brought about advancement in the operations of photographers, and photography and frame making had been part of the economic activities that have been contributing majorly to the economic growth of the area. Establishment and presence of modern photography and frame making studios enjoyed patronage from members of the community.^[xlix] Enlarged photographs and beautifully made frames were then used as gifts and prizes by both individuals and organizations. High patronage was more experienced by the business owners during festive periods.^[l] The observed lucrative nature of the business made some indigenes of the communities enrol their kids for apprenticeship in the arts.^[li]

Globalization also facilitated award Design into Moro, especially in Malete district, where the business enjoyed more patronage from KWASU students.^[lii] As evident in other universities in Kwara state and Nigeria at large, Kwara State University had Departmental and Faculty Students’ bodies that involved in students concerned socio-political and religious activities. Award nights were part of the events annually hosted by most student bodies that engaged the services of the award designers. Continuous award contracts had always made the business a lucrative one.^[liii] The business continued to grow on the advantages of continuous recommendations among customers.^[liv]

Award designers have not only continuously contributed to the growth of Moro economic activities, but have also opened apprenticeship opportunity for secondary school leavers in the area.^[lv] The apprentices in return involved in getting contracts of lower prices and recommended their bosses for the larger ones. Like other businesses too, increasing population of apprentices at the shops of award designers aided higher profit making for the food sellers around the shops. The multiplying effect of this also reflected on the food sellers and market women relations as they got additional cooking ingredients from them.^[lvi] This in return contributed to the continuous flow of currency in the district, thus making its economy stronger.

Globalization also facilitated introduction of modern laundry services into Moro as an alternative to the traditional Alagbafo (traditional laundry service providers). Modern laundry services became a necessary economic activity in the area as white collar jobs were evolving there.^[lvii] Providers of this service were welcomed with huge patronage by students and workers. They were mostly available at Oloru, Kambi, Shao and Malete villages. Laundry service must be mentioned to have served as a major modern economic activity in the districts. It served as source of income to operators amongst indigenes and settlers. High patronage enjoyed by the business affected the traditional laundry service providers in the area. Use of modern machines, display of professionalism and adequate public relations made customers to prefer services of the modern laundry providers to the traditional ones.^[lviii] In response to the challenge of the sudden competition, the traditional laundry service providers adopted door-to-door or home services to retain some of their customers, most of who were locals and students.^[lix]

Real estate and property agency also became a major contributor to the economy of Moro since the wake of the new millennium. This business lacked representation at both Ejidongari and Paiye districts of the local government.^[lx] Companies such as J-Unit Global Concept, Baogra Enterprise and Ilias Real Estate Management Company provided housing and properties agencies services in Malete; and at Oloru there were Ayinde Real Estate Company and some others. These companies are involved in housing and hostels management, building projects supervision and general construction services and several other services that were mostly required by students and travellers.^[lxi] The reliability of each of the companies determined how much patronage they enjoyed base the service they provide.^[lxii]

Establishing Shopping malls and supermarkets was another significant economic activity that evolved in Moro in the contemporary time. Malls and supermarkets served as available markets for provisions. Most of the supermarkets that have evolved in the area were concentrated in Malete but some handful of stores was available at other districts such as Oloru, Lanwa and Paiye. There were no major stores at Ejidongari except small provision shops.^[lxiii] At some malls and supermarkets, customers were to move round to pick items of their choice and then bring same to the counter for value quantification and payment. This was not convenient for some customers, especially women who wished to be attended to by the waiters.^[lxiv]

Challenges of Globalization on Economic Activities in Moro

All the economic activities that have been influenced by globalization in Moro LGA had challenges the first of which is the reduction of the chances of employment opportunity for the indigenes of the area due to the services of foreign labourers.^[lxv] Also, the foreign labourers mostly put employers of their labour at lost by selling the motorcycles handed over to them after getting to their countries of origin. This major challenge was posed at the employers by the falling value of Naira to its counterparts in West Africa and hike in materials cost in Nigeria.^[lxvi] Also, while the inputs of the use of machines in farming appeared to be positive, it deprived labourers the opportunity of employment. This to a large extent made some of them who resided in the villages where machines were mostly used to seek engagement in neighbouring communities.^[lxvii]

As economically profitable as the effects of globalization on charcoal production in the area, its continuous large production has greatly de-forested the area. Charcoal producers continued in deforestation by continuously falling trees for its production. They knew next to nothing about the negative implications of falling trees without replacement techniques.^[lxviii] The implications of falling trees must be noted to include climate change, desertification, soil erosion, fewer crops, flooding, increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and a host of other problems to the indigenous people.^[lxix] Continuous trees falling by people of Ejidongari has greatly contributed to climate change which has in return become a global challenge. Other segments of the area’s economy such as farming and hunting became negatively affected too, as they experienced more soil erosion and reduction in output at their farmlands. The roads connecting various streets of the area were also flooded, especially the ones situated around its boundary with communities along Oloko village, via Ilorin-Jebba expressway road.^[lxx]

ICT business in Moro also suffered challenges that included bad and fluctuating network services from the internet providers.^[lxxi] There was also the challenge of inflation in prices of printing materials such as A4 paper, toner, cartridge, binding items, etc.^[lxxii] Another challenge faced by café business was limited power supply. At places like Malete where there was more concentration of cafe operators, power supply was so limited that businesses that were operated with the use of electric power could not survive without the use of supplementary power generating machines, which was not without its financial implications. This to a large extent caused increase in price of operation.^[lxxiii] Some operators also subscribed to installation of solar-inverter machines which on its own was quite expensive. When compared with some other communities with higher institutions in Kwara state, such as Tanke which is at a close proximity to University of Ilorin or Adewole that was at close proximity to University of Ilorin and Kwara Poly Mini-campuses, and Mandate that was more or less a host community to Al-Hikmah university, Malete enjoyed lowest supply of electric power, and the price of printing there was higher than other areas.^[lxxiv]

POS business also suffered challenges such as lack of dedication and trustworthiness by some employed operators. This problem was peculiar to this and some other modern economic activities in the area.^[lxxv] The challenges faced by photography and its related businesses in Moro included theft of camera, loss of contracts and competition. Loss of such expensive machines caused setbacks for the business owners. Also, as the nature of photography and the way it was operated in the area gave photographers the opportunity to attend events for the purpose of carrying out their services, even without invitations, lateness of invited photographers always brought about loss of the opportunity to others. This was a major challenge for the business in Moro. There was also the issue of aborted contracts. As related by some of the photographers and frame makers, after making part payments some customers never came back to get the products while the photographers would have completed them with their personal money. These challenges have all contributed to the setbacks experienced by the photographers in the area.^[lxxvi]

These challenges were not peculiar to photography as awards designing and production also faced them. When the awards were not produced in the design and standard that were preferred by the customers, the producers, at some instances loss their customers to competitors.^[lxxvii]

Laundry business also suffered inadequate power supply and disappointment in service delivery. The business was also carried out with extra expenses such as personal electric power generation. Laundry services providers also suffered lost of customers to competitors. This mostly happened when power supply and personal non-challant attitude deterred them from delivering the required services as at when due.^[lxxviii] This study however observed that despite the challenges, laundry services had continued to thrive in the area as a major economic activity, as the service providers were providing solutions to the challenges and other operators were springing up.^[lxxix]

The challenges of property agency and management business in the area included fraud, theft and debt. Fraud was a major challenge experienced by Ilias Real Estate Management Company around 2019. According to the manager of the company, there was a transaction of about four hundred thousand naira between the company and her customer. While the customer claimed she made a transfer of the said amount of money to the company’s account and that was received into the company’s account, the company claimed it was a false alert that after a while the money could not be found in the account anymore. This incident involved investigation by officers of the Nigerian Police Force at Malete Police Station. After several fruitless efforts towards recovering the money, the company bear the lost. This to a large extent affected the survival of the business. It caused financial setback for it and affected its prestige and reliability.^[lxxx]

Supermarkets and shopping malls in Moro faced challenges that included theft, burglary, low capital and lack of sponsors, lack of trust in the employees, inventory loss, vacation by KWASU students as suffered by all other businesses in the area, and natural challenges such as rain and wind. One of the earliest challenges faced by Day-By-Day Supermarket was as a result of rainfalls. When it was still at Safari village before moving down to its present location, the small store in which the business took-off from was flooded by water after series of rainfalls in 2018. This development caused damages to acquired goods for sales. This brought about a great loss to the business owner who had to gift some of the items away and sold some others to relatives and friends at cheaper prices.^[lxxxi] Theft was also experienced by some of the supermarkets, especially when they were newly opened. Day-By-Day Supermarket experienced loss of items to customers who stole some items in the process of patronizing it. It was after lost of many items that the business owner realized the challenge.^[lxxxii] There was also the case of burglary at the supermarkets. Identifying that the supermarkets had safes in which cash payments were kept, robbers carted away items and money in the shop-break that happened in year 2020 during the Covid-19 lock down. These experiences were the reasons for the quick installation of CCTV camera in the Supermarket.^[lxxxiii]

Low capital and lack of access by the supermarket business owners to the federal government interventions for small and large scales business was another challenge. As expressed by the owner of Akinlab Supermarket, funding and access to sponsorship were suffered by supermarket business owners in the area. There was also the challenge of trust in employees. Akinlab Supermarket suffered the services of trustworthy employees. In most cases, the business recorded lost of cash to the incompetency and negligence of employees who were not also free from dubious characters. Employees are usually sacked when the case of lost of fund by the manager and some others employees was no more condonable by the business owners.^[lxxxiv] Inventory loss was another challenge suffered by supermarkets. This involved the loss of value by stocked products. Loss of value happened as a result of goods becoming obsolete or outdated when they were not purchased before their expiration period or before introduction of new ones to members of the public by the producers. This was suffered by Ray Supermarket during the Covid-19 lockdown of year 2020. As expressed by the manager, before the opening of shops most products have expired and they were disposed. Although, locals that had access to the disposed products went for them without the knowledge of the business owners.^[lxxxv] Like other businesses that required regular power supply for their smooth running, supermarkets in Malete district lacked regular power supply which led to additional running cost on the business owners. This, as expressed by Ben Martinz supermarket was a major challenge for the business in the area.^[lxxxvi]

Conclusion

As unveiled in above discussion, globalization has positive impact on the economic activities of Moro LGA in several ways. It facilitated the transformation of traditional businesses and paved way for evolvement and growth of new ones. Globalization enhanced the ease of doing business and trade in Moro and it increased access to new markets and investment opportunities. As a universal transforming phenomenon which has not left any community unaffected, it improved the capacity of individuals and local businesses in the area to take advantage of the global marketplace. Introduction of modern economic activities in Moro LGA also attracted investments, generated employment opportunities, and increased the incomes of members of the public. To ensure continuous growth and sustainability of the developing economic activities in Moro, it would be an intelligent step for the Kwara State government to improve infrastructure and provide access to finance for both small and large scales economic activities there.

End Notes

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[i] . H. O. Danmole, From Native Authority to Local Government System: The Changing Role of the Emir of Ilorin, in O. Aborisade (ed) Local Government and the Traditional Rulers in Nigeria, Ife: University of Ife Press, pp. 37—50.

[ii] . NIPOST, Post offices-with map of Local Government Areas, archived from original record in 2009, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moro,_Nigeria , accessed on 11th May, 2023.

[iii] . J. O. Ifabiyi and I. K. Banjoko, Economic Recession Coping Strategies in Nigeria: The Case of Rural Dwellers in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State, Journal of Global Economics, Vol. 6, Issue 1, 2018, pp. 1­--4.

[iv] . B. F. Sule, M. Agunbiade, A. G. Adeogun and G. Ihagh, “Small Town Water Supply: Situational Assessment of Shao, Kwara State, Nigeria”, Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Vol. 13, Issue 4, 2016, p. 48.

[v] . Oral Interview with Alhaji Ahmad Kuranga (Alangua Budo-Aare) aged 102 at Budo-Aare Ajanaku Community, Moro LGA, Kwara state, on 29th June, 2021.

[vi] . W. O. Kewulere, Impact of Colonial Activities on the Economy of Moro Districts, Ilorin Emirate, Nigeria, Ph.D. Seminar paper, University of Ilorin, Ilorin Nigeria, May, 2023, p.18

[vii] . Personal observation at a research visit to Malete market on 27th March, 2023

[viii]. M. B. Steger, Globalization: A Very Short Introduction, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2003, p. 13.

[ix] . Webster’s Third New International Dictionary of the English Language Unabridged,Springfield, MA: Merriam, 1961

[x] . G. Lachapelle and S. Paquin, Mastering Globalization: New Sub-States’ Governance and Strategies, New York: Routledge publishers, 2005, p.14

[xi] . P. J. Campbell, A. Mackinnon and C. R. Steven, An Introduction to Global Studies, United Kingdom: Blackwell Publishing , 2010, p.4

[xii] . T. G. Palmer, Globalization is Great!, Washington: Cato's Letter, 2002, p.27

[xiii] . N. K. Sharma, Globalization and its Impact on the Third World Economy, Crossing the Border: International Journal of Disciplinary Studies, Vol. 1, Number 1, December 15, 2013. Pp. 21-29.

[xiv] . S. Andres, Globalization and National Development at the End of 20th Century, Washington DC: Worldbank Policy Research Working Paper 2137, June 1999, p.1

[xv] . J. Farington and J. Mitchel, How Can the Rural Poor Participate in Global Economic Process?, Natural Resource Perspective- 103, Overseas Development Institute Press, 2006, p.2.

[xvi] . L. Etemike and O. H. Efanidor, Contemporary Globalization and Rural Economy in Nigeria, American International Journal of Social Sciences, Vol. 4, No. 3, June, 2015, p.9

[xvii] . United Nations, Improving the Situation of Women in Rural Areas, A 2015 Report of the Secretary General, Retrieved from www./om.int/jahia/webdaw/shared/mainside/policy-andresearch/un/60/9/pdf on 19/7/2023.

[xviii] . B. C. Okoro, E. S. N. Ogochukwu and V. I. Okoro, The Impact of Globalization on the World Economy in the Global Market and Production, International Journal of Advanced Academic and Educational Research, Volume 13, Issue 2, September, 2017, pp. 104 – 115

[xix] . G. Shangquan, Economic Globalization: Trends, Risks and Risk Prevention, Committee for Development Policy, Background Paper, No. 1 (ST/ESA/2000/CDP/1), accessed from http://www.un.org/esa/policy/devplan/index.html, on 18 July, 2022

[xx] . Z. Kılıçarslan and Y. Dumrul, The Impact Of Globalization On Economic Growth: Empirical Evidence From The Turkey, International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, 2018, Vol. 8 Issue 5, pp. 115-123.

[xxi] . M. D. Intrrilligator, Globalization of the World Economy: Potential Benefits of Cost and a Net Assessment, Los Angeles: Milken Institute, 2003, p.21

[xxii] . J. Bhagwati, In Defense of Globalization, New York: Oxford University Press, 2004

[xxiii] . Personal observation during research visits to farmlands across the five districts in Moro LGA, between November, 2021 and August 2023.

[xxiv] . Oral Interview with Baba Bose , (Coordinator of Mokudi Labourers), aged 55, at his residence at Asomu village, Oloru District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 27th March, 2022.

[xxv] . Oral Interview with Mr. Jimoh Ojonla , (Large farm owner along Akata-Akinyele way), aged 52, at his residence at Akata Olosun village, Malete District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 28th March, 2022.

[xxvi] . Personal observation during research visits to farmlands across the five districts in Moro LGA, between November, 2021 and August 2023.

[xxvii] . Oral Interview with Mr. Hamidu Mahmud , (Large farm owner at Akata Olosun), aged 72, at his residence at Akata Olosun village, Malete District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 3rd April, 2023.

[xxviii] . Oral Interview with Mr. Saliu Usman Baba Burai, (a Middleman at Malete market), aged 71, at Malete market, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 27th April, 2023.

[xxix] . Oral Interview with Mr. AbdulGhaniy Mansafira , (Large farm owner along Okete-Akata way, Moro LGA), aged 35, at his residence at his farm, on 28th March, 2023.

[xxx] . Oral Interview with Mr. Hamidu Mahmud , (Large farm owner at Akata Olosun), aged 72, at his residence at Akata Olosun village, Malete District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 3rd April, 2023.

[xxxi] . Oral Interview with Mr. Ibrahim Usman, (Large farm owner at Ore village, Oloru district, Moro LGA), aged 42, at his farm , Ore village, Oloru district, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 19th June, 2023.

[xxxii] . Personal observation during research visits to farmlands across the five districts in Moro LGA, between November, 2021 and August 2023.                                    

[xxxiii] . Annon., Uses of Cashew Nuts in Different Industries, retrieved on https://pureheat.com/blogs/news/uses-of-cashew-nuts, accessed on 26/ 8/ 2023.

[xxxiv] . Oral Interview with Mr. Jimoh Ojonla , (Large farm owner along Akata-Akinyele way), aged 52, at his residence at Akata Olosun village, Malete District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 28th March, 2022.

[xxxv] . Oral Interview with Mr. Jimoh Ore, (Chairman, Charcoal Producers Association, Ejidongari), aged 55, at his charcoal production site, Ejidongari District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 27th March, 2023.

[xxxvi] . Oral Interview with Mr. Taiye Saota, (Son of the Daudu, Ejidongari District), aged 45, at the Daudu’s compound, Ejidongari District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 27th March, 2023.

[xxxvii] . Oral Interview with Mr. Taiye Saota, (Son of the Daudu, Ejidongari District), aged 45, at the Daudu’s compound, Ejidongari District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 27th March, 2023.

[xxxviii] . Personal observation at a research visit to Malete market on 27th March, 2023

[xxxix] . Personal observation at a research visit to Bode -Sadu market on 1st April, 2023

[xl] . Oral Interview with Mr. Aweda Saliu, (a basket weaver), aged 55, at his residence in Oloru village, Oloru District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 12th February, 2023.

[xli] . Personal observation during research visit to Ejidongari district, Moro LGA, Kwara state, on 27th March, 2023.

[xlii] . Oral Interview with Mr. Ayoola Mansur, (CEO, Ayoola Café), aged 41, at Ayoola Café, Malete District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 19th February, 2022.

[xliii] . Annon., What is POS with banking?, retrieved on https://www.unitusccu.com, accessed on 28/9/2023.

[xliv] . Personal observation during research visit to Shao Community, Oloru district, Moro LGA, Kwara state, on 1st April, 2023.

[xlv] . Oral Interview with Mr. Bolaji Bakare, (POS Operator) aged 32, at Bode-Sadu market, Lanwa District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 2nd April, 2023

[xlvi] . The National Pilot Newspaper, Interview of the KWASU Microfinance Pioneer Managing Director, published on 20/8/2018.

[xlvii] . Personal observation during research visit to Ejidongari district, Moro LGA, Kwara state, on 27th March, 2023.

[xlviii] . Oral Interview with Mr. Olayinka Kazeem, (POS Operator) aged 27, at Bode-Sadu market, Lanwa District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 2nd April, 2023.

[xlix] . Oral Interview with Mr. Ishaq Akata, (Photograph and design apprentice) aged 23, at Akata-Olosun community, Malete District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 3rd April, 2023.

[l] . Oral Interview with Mr. Ayoola Mansur, (CEO, Ayoola Café), aged 41, at Ayoola Café, Malete District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 19th February, 2022.

[li] . Oral Interview with Mr. Shola, (CEO, Sholly Bee Enterprise), aged 37, at Sholly Bee Enterprise, Malete District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 20th February, 2022

[lii] . Oral Interview with Mr. Funsho Arinade, (Photographer), aged 43, at Malete District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 27th February, 2022.

[liii] . Oral Interview with Mr. Funsho Arinade, (Photographer), aged 43, at Malete District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 27th February, 2022.

[liv] . Oral Interview with Mr. Bolaji Kareem, (Award designer), aged 37, at Malete District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 28th February, 2022.

[lv] . Oral Interview with Mr. Olanrewaju Okanlawon, (President, SHSN-KWASU), aged 24, at Malete , Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 27th February, 2022.

[lvi] . Oral Interview with Mr. Bolaji Muiz, (Award design apprentice), aged 22, at Ajagbe village, Malete District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 28th February, 2022.

[lvii] . Oral Interview with Iya Abdul Qadir Akata, (Food hawker), 31years, at Malete Market, Malete District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 28th February, 2022.

[lviii] . Oral Interview with Mr. Hakeem Adebisi, (Hunter and farmer), aged 48, at his residence, Oloru community, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 24th March, 2022.

[lix] . Oral Interview with Mrs. Usman, Iya Wahidi (A traditional laundry service provider), aged 27, at Malete, Kwara State, on 28th March, 2022.

[lx] . Personal observation during research visit to communities in Moro LGA, Kwara state, on 3rd April, 2023.

[lxi] . Personal observation during research visit to Ejidongari district, Moro LGA, Kwara state, on 27th March, 2023.

[lxii] . Oral Interview with Mr. Shola Akinade (CEO, J-Unit Global Concept), 32 years, at Malete, Kwara State, on 28th March, 2022.

[lxiii] . Oral Interview with Mr. Iliasu Olayinka (CEO, Iliasu Real Estate Management Company), 29 years, at Malete, Kwara State, on 5th April, 2023.

[lxiv] . Oral Interview with Mr. Salami Adeolu, (Worker at Akinlab Supermarkets), 32 years, at Malete, Kwara State, on 5th April, 2023.

[lxv] . Oral Interview with Mr. AbdulGhaniy Mansafira , (Large farm owner along Okete-Akata way, Moro LGA), aged 35, at his residence at his farm, on 28th March, 2023.

[lxvi] . Oral Interview with Mr. Yusuf Ibrahim Magaji, (Large farm owner and son of Baba Magaji of Akata-Olosun community, Moro LGA), 40 years, at his residence at his farm, on 19th June, 2023.

[lxvii] . Oral Interview with Baba Bose , (Coordinator of Mokudi Labourers), 55 years, at his residence at Asomu village, Oloru District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 27th March, 2022.

[lxviii] . Oral Interview with Mr. Jimoh Ore, (Chairman, Charcoal Producers Association, Ejidongari), aged 55, at his charcoal production site, Ejidongari District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 27th March, 2023.

[lxix] . Personal observation during research visit charcoal production site at Ejidongari district, Moro LGA, Kwara state, on 27th March, 2023.

[lxx] . Annon. Effects of Deforestation, San Francisco, California : Pachamama Alliance, Retrieved from www.Pachamama.org/effects-of-deforestation, accessed on 26/6/2023.

[lxxi] . Oral Interview with Mr. Mubarak Abdul-Qodir, (Computer Operator), 35 years at his residence in Gbugudu village, Malete District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 25th February, 2022.

[lxxii] . Oral Interview with Mr. Ayoola Mansur, (CEO, Ayoola Café), 41 years,, at Ayoola Café, Malete District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 19th February, 2022

[lxxiii] . Oral Interview with Mr. Ayoola Mansur, (CEO, Ayoola Café), 41 years,, at Ayoola Café, Malete District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 19th February, 2022

[lxxiv] . Oral Interview with Mr. Shola, (CEO, Sholly Bee Enterprise), 37 years,, at Sholly Bee Enterprise, Malete District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 20th February, 2022

[lxxv] . Oral Interview with Alfa Samee, (Chairman, Malete Development Association) 48 years,, at Magaji’s compound, Malete, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 19th February, 2022.

[lxxvi] . Oral Interview with Mr. Ayoola Mansur, (CEO, Ayoola Café), 41 years,, at Ayoola Café, Malete District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 19th February, 2022.

[lxxvii] . Oral Interview with Mr. Bolaji Kareem, (Award designer), 37 years,, at Malete District, Moro LGA, Kwara State, on 28th February, 2022.

[lxxviii] . Oral Interview with Mr. Sheyi Bolarinwa (CEO, Hi-Show Laundry Services), 33 years,, at Malete, Kwara State, on 28th March, 2022.

[lxxix] . Oral Interview with Mr. Sheyi Bolarinwa (CEO, Hi-Show Laundry Services), 33 years,, at Malete, Kwara State, on 28th March, 2022.

[lxxx] . Oral Interview with Baogra Enterprise by Ajao Kolade, at Malete, Kwara State, on 28th March, 2022.

[lxxxi] . Oral Interview with Ummu Zaynab, (Customer at Day-By-Day Super markets), 24 years,, at Malete, Kwara State, on 5th April, 2023.

[lxxxii] . Oral Interview with Mr. Daviad Micheal, (Worker at Day-By-Day Super markets), 30 years,, at Malete, Kwara State, on 5th April, 2023.

[lxxxiii] . Oral Interview with Mr. Daviad Micheal, (Worker at Day-By-Day Super markets), 30 years,, at Malete, Kwara State, on 5th April, 2023.

[lxxxiv] . Oral Interview with Mr. Daviad Micheal, (Worker at Day-By-Day Super markets), 30 years,, at Malete, Kwara State, on 5th April, 2023.

[lxxxv] . Oral Interview with Mr. Salami Adeolu, (Worker at Akinlab Supermarkets), 32 years,, at Malete, Kwara State, on 5th April, 2023.

[lxxxvi] . Oral Interview with Mr. Adewusi Peter , (Worker at Ray Supermarkets), 30 years,, at Moro Kwara State, on 7th April, 2023.

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