The Ecology and its Implications for the Economy of Toto Area/ North Central Nigeria/ 1800-1000

Human beings from time immemorial are tied to nature foT basic raw materials/ food/ and resources for survival. Natural phenomena of climatic elements such as rainfall/ sunshine/ relative humidity and precipitation determine the extent to which man enjoys sustainable and stable ecosystem for agricultural activities/ sufficient food supply and healthy living in general. The role of ecology and economy in shaping history cannot be over­ emphasised. Recourse to it would place historical developments in their natural contexts. In the context of this study/ we focus on such features as the soil/ highlands/ the plains and valleys/ the rivers/ climate/ the fauna and flora. All these ecological features are discussed in relation to human activities/ sustainability and development. Using both written and oral evidence/ the paper notes that the relationship between man and the environment is a dynamic one. The physical environment provided both opportunities and challenges for man.