When a person goes to the market to buy products and services, he must ensure that he has enough cash on hand. In the Esuk Mba Community Market in Akpabuyo LGA, Cross River State, Nigeria, however, things are different. The buyers and sellers in that market do not use money to trade; instead, they continue to employ the traditional barter system.
Recognize that barter commerce involves the exchange of products for goods and services for services. Throughout Nigerian history, people have purchased products and services in a variety of methods.
One of the most well-known trade methods in the past was the barter system. Traders commonly trade their wares for beads, salt, jewelry, and other items. Although this manner of trading is not as ubiquitous as it once was, it is still highly popular
in Cross River.
The Esuk Mba market in Cross River State does not utilize money like the rest of the country; instead, they choose to barter. People in that community usually trade their food for something else; this practice has been going on in Cross River since 1956, when their market first opened.
The Esuk Mba Market is open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. When the market is open for business, many members of the community will gather to sell their wares. These items would be traded for items and products that they do not currently have. For instance, if a trader has 2 cups of rice, she can exchange it for some beans.
Rice, meat, vegetables, and a variety of other foods can be traded in the market. If a trader does not like the things being traded, he or she can always try something else. Many folks who do not have enough money to buy food have benefited greatly from this market.
Palm oil can be exchanged for Garri, plantain, and other items on that market. When trading in the market, no money is required; however, when trading outside the market, money is required. Except for market trading, you can spend money to pay other bills.
This barter exchange will be extremely beneficial to the people and will also assist to reduce the cost of feeding. This market will undoubtedly go down in history, and students will learn that there was a time when people did not exchange with money.