THREATS TO ORON-SOUTHWEST CAMEROON TRADE, 1900-1961

Abstract

The article examined the challenges and obstacles to trade between Oron and Southwest Cameroon through a utilization of primary and secondary evidence with the causal approach of historical interpretation. On the eve of colonialism, Oron and Southwest Cameroon engaged in exchange of goods and services through the barter system and the use of locally made currencies. Oron, a coastal trading town drained by three major river systems - Mbo, Uya Oron and Okobo - was easily accessible to other neighbouring coastal towns for fishing and trading. Southwest Cameroon groups such as the Duala and Kwe traded with their Oron neighbours by accessing these rivers with canoes and fishing boats. Agricultural products such as food crops and cash crops were also extensively traded in these markets. However, there existed many challenges to trade between Oron and Southwest Cameroon that sought to decrease the benefits and impact of the trade on the economies of both regions. This period was characterized by European and foreign domination of indigenous markets across Oron and Southwest Cameroon. European manufactured products dominated indigenous markets and European firms controlled prices for these products as well as indigenous goods. Trade malpractices by foreign firms, price fluctuations and high rate of taxation threatened the benefits of the trade. Restrictions on movement, insecurity and smuggling activities in trade areas also hampered on the development of trade. Notwithstanding, trade relations between Oron and Southwest Cameroon continued to flourish.