ABSTRACT
The World Bank's funded agricultural development programme in Rivers State covers a total land area of 2,800 square kilometres. It stretches from the former Ikwerre and Etche divisions to some parts of Ahoada, Obio and Ogba divisions An estimated 240,000 peasant farmers reside in this area. Land tenure is vested in the clan. In pre-colonial times, decisions regarding allocation of arable land to peasants' families were collectively made by members of the clan. As the political authority of the warrant chiefs became legitimized over time, households' power relations also began to undergo significant changes. In particular, patriarchy became an important force. According to the general manager, the company was engaged in negotiating a new loan with the European Economic Commission, under the Lome II convention, for the development of the lowland region of the State. Ubima is an Ikkwerre village a few kilometres from the heartland of Igboland.
