| | This article discusses the role of the peasantry in the political strategies of the Nigerian left. It begins by looking at the way in which some socialist-oriented organisations and writers have approached the peasant and agrarian questions. The paper discusses the political and economic implications of some of the positions taken, including 'fighting the kulaks' and 'eliminating middlemen and money-lenders' . It stresses the limited scope for left intervention on the side of the poor peasants in confrontation with the rich in the foreseeable future. Beckman argues that the democratic transition may be jeopardised both economically and politically if such intervention is pushed prematurely. There is a need to focus on the broad middle ground within the peasantry for purposes of political support and agricultural development. The paper recognises the growing internal differentiation and class contradictions within the peasant communities but it suggests that such divisions can only be effectively addressed after the consolidation of democratic state power. There is, therefore, the need to mobilise peasants politically for the national democratic cause on issues which unite rather than divide them. The encroachment on peasants lands by state and capital is one such area of common concern. There is also a wide scope for democratic struggles for more equitable distribution of public services on a community basis. |
