Farmers' distrust of the markets was exacerbated in 1996 by a new financial instrument that swept across the plains: the hedge-to-arrive contract.

ECONOMIST: The farmbelt breaks free | The

First came Chinese from state-owned companies, but more and more arrive solo or stay behind after finishing contract work.

ECONOMIST: The Chinese in Africa

Robson had been expected to arrive in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, on Monday to sign a six-month contract but the former Middlesbrough coach said he is yet to make any firm travelling plans.

BBC: SPORT | Football | African | Nigeria stall Robson plan