The Impact of Labor Treaties on Migration Patterns in Early 20th Century West Africa

The end of the Labour Treaty with Liberia in 1930 marked a significant shift in the labor dynamics of Fernando Po, an island that was part of Spanish Guinea. Between 1914 and 1930, approximately 10,000 Liberians migrated to Fernando Po under this treaty, providing essential labor for the island's burgeoning cacao and coffee plantations. The treaty facilitated a steady influx of workers, which was crucial for the agricultural economy that relied heavily on these crops. However, the cessation of the treaty in 1930 left planters in a precarious position as they suddenly lost a vital source of labor. In response to this labor shortage, planters began to seek alternative sources of workers, turning their attention to Río Muni, the mainland part of Spanish Guinea. This transition not only affected the labor market but also highlighted the interconnectedness of colonial economies in West Africa. The reliance on immigrant contract labor from Liberia, Nigeria, and Cameroon underscored the broader patterns of migration and labor exploitation during this period. The shift in labor sourcing after 1930 illustrates the challenges faced by colonial economies when faced with abrupt changes in labor availability, prompting planters to adapt quickly to maintain productivity in their agricultural sectors. #mooflife #mof #MomentOfLife #LabourTreaty #Liberia #FernandoPo #SpanishGuinea #ColonialEconomy