The Keana Salt Industry: Origin and Development, From 1900 -2000AD

The salt industry is one of the viable small scale industries in Keana. It has been (and still remains) significant for economic development of Keana because the economy of Keana revolves around the salt industry. The salt industry strongly influenced the settlement pattern of Keana in the 13th century. Keana is situated at the south eastern extreme comer of Nasarawa State. It is roughly 26 miles long on an east and west major axis and 9 miles wide on a north and south minor axis. Keana is located in the southern flank of Nasarawa State, about 68 kilometres from Lafia, the capital city and nearly 50 kilometres north of the River Benue. It is an offshoot of the famous Kwararafa Empire. In what follows, we investigate the origin and development of the salt industry in Keana from 1900-2000 AD.