Explain any three reasons why the Trans Sahara Trade declined
1. Decline in demand for goods: As the trans-Saharan trade route became less important, demand for goods such as gold, salt, and slaves also declined. This was due in part to Europeans starting to explore and colonize Africa, which shifted the focus of trade to the coasts.
2. Technological advancements: With the advent of new technologies such as steamships and railways, overland trade became less important. These new methods of transportation were faster and more efficient than travel by camel or horseback.
3. Political instability: The political instability in the Sahel region made the trans-Saharan trade route more dangerous, increasing the risks involved in the trade. As time passed, it became harder and less profitable for merchants to trade overland, which ultimately contributed to the decline of the trade route.
The Trans-Saharan trade route, which involved the trade of goods across the Sahara Desert, declined for several reasons. Here are three of the main contributing factors:
1. Shift in trade routes: With advancements in maritime technology and the opening of sea routes, such as the Atlantic and Indian Ocean trade routes, the focus of international trade shifted from land-based routes to sea-based routes. The Trans-Saharan trade route gradually lost its significance as traders found it more efficient and cost-effective to use sea routes, which allowed for larger quantities of goods to be transported more easily.
2. Political instability: The decline of the Trans-Saharan trade was also influenced by political instability in the region. The rise and fall of various empires, such as the Ghana Empire, Mali Empire, and Songhai Empire, disrupted trade activities. These empires had served as intermediaries, providing security and facilitating trade along the route. However, internal conflicts and invasions weakened their power and disrupted the trade network, leading to a decline in trade across the Sahara.
3. Environmental challenges: The harsh environmental conditions of the Sahara Desert posed significant challenges for traders. The arid and inhospitable nature of the desert made it difficult for trade caravans to navigate through vast stretches of barren land. Extreme temperatures, sandstorms, and scarcity of water sources added to the risks involved in crossing the desert. Additionally, the discovery of alternative trade routes that circumvented the Sahara Desert bypassed these environmental challenges, further contributing to the decline of the Trans-Saharan trade.
While these three factors played significant roles in the decline of the Trans-Saharan trade, it is important to note that other factors, such as the rise of European colonialism in Africa, also influenced the decline of this historic trade network.