Yoruba Hometowns

The pattern of migrants maintaining strong ties with their home communities is common throughout sub-Saharan Africa. These linkages have important social, cultural, political, and economic implications. For the Ijesa Yoruba of southwestern Nigeria, linkages and support to the hometown help shape social identity and contribute to local development. The material in this website complements and expands on Lillian Trager’s book, Yoruba Hometowns: Community, Identity and Development in Nigeria (Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2001). A companion video and guide, Yoruba Hometowns and Local Development in Nigeria focuses on activities in one Ijesa town, Iloko.

Images shown here elaborate on major themes: communities; daily life and economic activities; migration; hometown organizations; ceremonies and celebrations; local development. They show Ijesa people at home and at work, engaging in everyday activities and participating in ceremonies.

© 2001-2008, All rights reserved -- family of Lillian Trager
   University of Wisconsin-Parkside