Contents:
- agrarian or industrial
- economic drivers
- vocational divisions
- structural patterns
- prices
- flow of money
- financial institutions
- economic classes
- barter system
- in relation to other countries
- social security
4.1 Is society's economic structure agrarian, industrial or mixed?
The great majority of the economy is based upon subsistence farming. Each year, the people battle the hostile climate to produce enough to live on until the harvest of the following year.
For the country of Niger, there was a time when uranium seemed to be a hope, but with the recent fall in the price of uranium, the hope of economic progress has been dashed. There is a small amount of industry from outside sources, but the lack of transport and the red tape of doing business in Niger limits further development. As a result, Niger rests in poverty's death grip.
The height of social and economic activity for the Songhai village is weekly market day.
4.2 What are the primary drivers of the economy? Capitalism, socialism or others? Describe the economy.
The primary driver of the society is survival. The Songhai are satisfied when they are able to meet their basic needs, but still maintain a very strong work ethic based on hard work and respect.
4.3 What are the primary economic and vocational categories and divisions in the economy?
In most of the country, farming and animal husbandry are the only occupations; small gardens and fishing are seen as ways to provide food for the family, rather than a career. In larger towns, one can find government workers, postal workers, water and electric service employees and project workers. Any job with a regular salary is considered a true blessing.
4.4 What are the structural patterns within society?
The structure of the society is mainly based on wealth and family heritage. Those who have money and land dictate to those who do not. The majority of the power in the society rests on the male, traditional and religious leaders of the community. Government officials are feared; people feel there will be punishment for disobedience.
4.5 How are prices determined? What are the major influences on prices?
Most respondents stated that the government and wealthy merchants control prices. Availability of food items fluctuates according to the season and the bounty of the harvest. Inflation of prices is a common practice, and the wealthy are seen as those who had no problem with taking advantage of the poor.
4.6 Who is in control of the flow of money?
Most respondents stated that the governments of Niger and France control the flow of money.
4.7 Who is in control of the financial institutions? Are their private financial processes as strong or influential as the public institutions?
The government of Niger is in control of the financial institutions. Most respondents have a well-earned distrust of financial institutions, stating that one was never guaranteed one's money back once it was placed in a bank. Most stated that they would trust a private institution over one run by the government.
4.8 Describe the traditional classes in the economy?
Niger lacks a substantial middle class. The upper class is a very small part of society. The lower class is by far the largest. Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world. There is no formal separation of the classes, although there is a definite pecking order. Differences can readily be seen in material possessions, quality of clothing, employment and housing. All mingle and live in the same areas of town.
4.9 Is a barter culture in existence? Does it predominate? Is it significant?
The barter system does exist in many of the rural areas, but it does not seem to be predominate or significant. Money is preferred for trade.
4.10 How does the economy relate to other countries?
Efforts have been made to establish trade with other countries, but Niger is usually on the buying end of most deals. Exports of some food items, such as onions, are common and various livestock are exported. Again, the lack of and cost of transport, along with the red tape involved in accomplishing trades, hinder the growth of exports.
4.11 How is social security provided? Within family, social or governmental structure?
The social security system in Niger, as with all other government agencies, is nearly bankrupt and inefficient. Many times, families go for a year without receiving family allotments or retirement benefits. The strong family structure seems to be the most certain means of security as older parents can depend upon their children for their care. One can never refuse to help a family member.
The vast majority of the information in this worldview was as result of interviews compiled by the Songhai People Group Team with Songhai, March - June 2000. We have continued to update the material and correct it, as needed, as we observe and participate in their daily life.
Paul Stoller's many works and impressions of the Songhai people give valuable, detailed insight into their religious practices. All comments or quotes written in italics type have been taken specifically from the book "In Sorcery's Shadow", by Paul Stoller and Cheryl Olkes, The University of Chicago Press, 1987.
We do not claim to be professional ethnographers, nor anthropologists. This paper is simply a compilation of our observations, what we have read, and what we understand about the Songhai at this time, by the grace of God. We continue to learn much daily.