Question

Outline 3 factors that promoted Trans-saharan trade

Answer 1

• Existence of local trade in the region provided a base for the trade.
• Demand for West African goods such as gold, slaves and Kolanuts in the North.
• Demand for West African goods such as gold, slaves and Kolanuts in the North.
• Existence of rich merchants in the region who were willing to invest in the trade.
• Existence of trade routes made it easy for them to travel
• The camel made their journey through the desert easy –they were able to carry heavy loads and travel long distances without water.  They could also travel on sand with ease.
• Existence of strong leaders/political stability in western Sudan which encouraged trade.
• Existence of strong leaders/ political stability in Western Sudan which encouraged trade.
• Existence of oasis which provided water and acted as a resting point for the traders