Why and by whom was the Trans Sahara Trade organized? Explain
The Trans Sahara Trade was organized by various groups of merchants in order to facilitate the exchange of goods between regions in North Africa and West Africa, including the Sahara desert.
One reason for the trade was the need for certain goods that were not available in certain regions. For example, salt was scarce in West Africa, and so it was often brought from the Sahara region. Similarly, different types of cloth and textiles were produced in different regions, and so merchants would trade their goods in order to obtain these items.
Another reason for the trade was the rich natural resources found in many parts of the Sahara region, including gold, ivory, slaves, and various other commodities. These resources were highly sought-after by merchants and traders from other regions, and so the Trans Sahara Trade allowed them to acquire them and then transport them to other markets.
The trade was organized by a number of different groups, including Berber traders, Arab merchants, and various African tribes and kingdoms. These groups established trade routes and networks, as well as towns and settlements where they would meet to exchange goods. Many of these towns became important centers of commerce and culture, with a diverse mix of people and influences from multiple regions.
The Trans Sahara Trade played a significant role in the cultural and economic development of North Africa and West Africa, as well as other regions connected to the trade routes. It also had a lasting impact on the history and culture of these regions, as evidenced by the many artifacts and cultural artifacts that have been discovered in and around the trade routes.
The Trans-Saharan Trade was organized due to various factors and was facilitated by different groups of people. Here's a step-by-step explanation of why and by whom it was organized:
1. Geographic Factors: The Trans-Saharan Trade developed primarily because of the geographical location of the Sahara Desert, which acted as a natural barrier between North Africa (Mediterranean region) and Sub-Saharan Africa. The desert made it challenging to travel between these regions through traditional methods like sea routes, pushing traders to explore alternative land-based trade routes.
2. Economic Motivations: There were several economic motivations for organizing the Trans-Saharan Trade. North Africa, particularly the Mediterranean coastal cities, sought to access valuable goods from Sub-Saharan Africa such as gold, ivory, salt, and slaves. These goods had high demand in the Mediterranean and Arab markets, providing lucrative trading opportunities for those involved.
3. Demand for Goods: In North Africa, gold was highly valued, being a scarce resource in that region. On the other hand, regions of Sub-Saharan Africa had abundant gold deposits. Salt, which was essential for food preservation, was also scarce in North Africa and would be sourced from the Saharan salt mines in the south.
4. Arab Traders: Arab traders played a significant role in organizing and facilitating the Trans-Saharan Trade. They had extensive knowledge of the desert environment, including the location of oases and well-established caravan routes. These routes allowed them to navigate through the Sahara and establish trade networks with the indigenous peoples of Sub-Saharan Africa.
5. Berber Traders: Another group of key organizers were the Berber traders, who were indigenous to the region. The Berbers had adapted to the desert environment and had excellent knowledge of survival techniques, camel husbandry, and navigation. They formed alliances with Arab traders and acted as intermediaries between North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
6. Indigenous African Traders: Indigenous African traders, often from states like Ghana, Mali, and Songhai, played a vital role in organizing the Trans-Saharan Trade. They controlled the production and supply of goods such as gold, ivory, and slaves, and they were responsible for establishing trade routes and managing the local economies of their respective regions.
Overall, the Trans-Saharan Trade was organized due to geographical factors, economic motivations, and the involvement of Arab traders, Berber traders, and indigenous African traders. It enabled the exchange of valuable goods between North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to the economic development of the regions involved.