Historical issues from African perspective.pptx

how Africans engaged economically before Europeans came to Africa.

1. Historical issues from African perspective WEEK 4

2. how Africans engaged economically before Europeans came to Africa. Before the arrival of Europeans, Africans engaged in a variety of economic activities that were sophisticated and diverse, reflecting the continent's rich cultural and ecological diversity, this includes: 1. Agriculture : Crop Cultivation: Africans practiced a variety of agricultural techniques, including shifting cultivation, mixed farming, and irrigation. Staple crops varied by region and included millet, sorghum, yams, cassava, and maize. Animal Husbandry: Livestock farming was significant in many regions, especially in the savannahs and highlands. Cattle, goats, and sheep were commonly raised, providing meat, milk, hides, and manure.

3. CONT.. 2. Trade: Local and Regional Trade: There were extensive local and regional trade networks. Goods such as salt, gold, ivory, kola nuts, and textiles were commonly traded. Markets and trade fairs were vital economic hubs. Trans-Saharan Trade: The trans-Saharan trade routes connected West Africa with North Africa and the Mediterranean world. Key commodities included gold from West Africa and salt from the Sahara. This trade fostered the rise of powerful states like Ghana, Mali, and Songhai.

4. CONT.. 3. Craftsmanship and Industry: Metallurgy: Africans were skilled in ironworking, producing tools and weapons. Regions like the Great Lakes and West Africa were renowned for their iron-smelting techniques. Textiles: Weaving and dyeing were significant, with certain areas like the Yoruba of Nigeria known for their high-quality textiles. Kente cloth from the Akan people of Ghana is another famous example. Pottery and Beadwork: Pottery was widely produced for both domestic use and trade. Beadwork was another important craft, particularly among the Maasai and the Yoruba.

5. CONT.. 4. Fishing and Hunting: Fishing: Coastal and riverine communities depended heavily on fishing. Techniques included the use of nets, hooks, and weirs. Fish was often dried or smoked for preservation. Hunting and Gathering: Many communities supplemented their diet and economy with hunting and gathering, utilizing the rich biodiversity of their environments.

6. CONT.. 5. Mining: Gold and Salt Mining: Gold mining was prominent in regions like West Africa, particularly in the areas that are now Ghana and Mali. Salt mining was also significant, especially in the Sahara Desert. Iron and Copper Mining: Iron and copper were mined and used for tools, weapons, and trade. The mining of these metals facilitated technological advancements and trade.

7. CONT.. 6. Pastoralism: Nomadic Herding: In regions such as East Africa and the Sahel, pastoralist societies like the Maasai , Fulani, and Tuareg engaged in nomadic herding. They moved their livestock in search of pasture and water, engaging in trade with settled agricultural communities. 7. Forestry and Timber: Timber Trade: Forested regions supplied timber for construction and carving. Some communities also engaged in the trade of medicinal plants and other forest products.

8. CONT 8. Specialized States and Empires: Economic Administration: Some African states and empires, such as Ancient Egypt, Great Zimbabwe, and the Kingdom of Aksum, developed complex economies with administrative systems to manage agriculture, trade, and taxation. Urban Centers: Cities like Timbuktu, Gao, and Kilwa were important economic and cultural centers, facilitating trade, education, and the arts. These economic activities illustrate the dynamic and multifaceted nature of African economies prior to European colonization. They were characterized by regional specializations, intricate trade networks, and significant technological and cultural achievements.