Coherent economy refers to the economy in which the primary sector (acquisition of raw materials) was proximate and seamlessly integrated with the secondary sector (transformation to finished products). The ancient Yoruba of Western Nigeria were exemplars of the Coherent economy.
As an example, the Yoruba farmer produced yam tubers (raw material) in his farm which were then processed by others, in locations in the vicinity of his farm, into Elubọ (yam powder); cassava tubers were converted with the same harmony into Gari and Lafun (cassava powders) and so on. The processed products were then sold in the market for others to buy.
Costs
The Coherent economy as practiced by the ancient Yoruba focused on efficiency and affordability. The internal integration removed the need to transport raw materials, particularly perishable ones, over long distances or to invest in refrigeration or chemical preservatives. The cost of capturing raw materials was near enough comparable to the cost of processing them, which made the processed foods affordable.
The cost to the overall economy was small and affordable. The Yoruba agrarian farming did not require subsidies; government was not involved, as it is in the command economies. The Coherent economy was neither beholding to nor serving capital. The Yoruba farms were small scale which made them sustainable and climate friendly.
Employment
By its internal integration of the primary and secondary sectors, the Coherent economy guaranteed full employment, which prevented poverty and ensured financial stability for individuals and families (investopedia 2025). Every Yoruba adult, male and female, participated or was able to participate in the economy. No hands were idle. The primary sector had men as principal workers whilst the secondary sector had the female folks as principal workers in a kinship corporatism.
Societal wellbeing
The Coherent economy promoted fairness in the distribution of wealth and opportunities. It fostered the spirit of cooperation that extended beyond into non-economic life. Growth was balanced. The Coherent economy was a more natural economy such that economic activities promoted wellbeing of the individual and the society (Killam 2025).
Comparative perspectives
Compared with the capitalist economies, the Coherent economy as practiced by the ancient Yoruba guaranteed a total absence of hunger. Farmers grew and processors produced whatever the community needed to develop and grow. Selling its processed products in the market place meant that the Coherent economy also had its foot dipped in the tertiary sector of the economy.
The Coherent economy is not command economy, market economy, mixed economy, or traditional economy. In the command economy, the government controlled all economic activities, in the market economy, mythical forces of the market controlled economic activities, whilst mixed economy was hybrid of both. The traditional economy was subsistence and survivalist, and farming and raw materials were traded to developed countries for finished goods.
The Coherent economy of the ancient Yoruba presents a different approach to economic development in which economic activities were synergised and inclusive.
There is more at www.yorubapartyuk.org