The Mali Empire established itself as a regional powerhouse in medieval times through of its exports of gold, as well as salt, and its control over the Sahara trade routes from West Africa. … The Niger River basin nourished these powers, providing the resources necessary to build and sustain empires.
Why was the Niger River important to the rise of civilizations in West Africa?
The Niger River was important to Western African Civilizations because it gave rich soil and it helped African religion spread. … The North African people who found a way across the Sahara and began trade with West Africa were Berbers.
How did the Niger River affect the economy of West Africa?
How did the Niger River affect the economy of West Africa? Annual floods created rich soil, and it was a key route for trade. What role did kinship groups play in West African society? They were the basis of government.
What river has been important in West African history?
You will see West Africa is a land of many resources and varied features. One feature, the Niger River, has been particularly important in the region’s history, providing water, food, and transportation for people. In addition, salt and iron deposits can be found in the region.
Why did West Africa’s early civilizations form near rivers?
Why did West Africa’s early civilizations form near rivers? Rivers provided people with a reliable source of water. They let farmers grow crops even when there wasn’t much rain. Rivers also made travel and trade easier.
Why is the Niger river dangerous?
The health hazards become most serious during the rains, which bring flooding and a sharp rise in water-born diseases. Cholera outbreaks are common. Every year hundreds of people die from this severe diarrhoeal disease which is spread through contaminated water.
What animals live in the Niger River?
Many varieties of fish are found in the Niger and its tributaries; the chief food species are catfish, carp, and Nile perch. Other Niger fauna include hippopotamuses, at least three different types of crocodiles (including the much-feared Nile crocodile), and a variety of lizards. There is a rich collection of birds.
Which river was the most important for trade in Africa?
As a result, the water is becoming more polluted. The Nile River also continues to be an important trade route, connecting Africa with markets in Europe and beyond. The Nile River flows over 6,600 kilometers (4,100 miles) until emptying into the Mediterranean Sea.
How does the Niger River impact life in West Africa?
The Niger River in the western region of Africa is used for irrigation, power production, and transportation.
What dangers might a traveler face in West Africa?
West Africa – Wikitravel. WARNING: Even after the Ebola outbreak has settled down, the region is generally infested with a lot of high risk diseases, like Malaria, HIV, Cholera, Lassa fever, Dengue fever and various other tropical diseases. Take extreme precautions to protect yourself.
What are the 3 major rivers in West Africa?
Major rivers include the Niger, Senegal, Gambia, and the Kolenté (Great Scarcies).
What is the most important river in West Africa?
The Niger River is the most important river in West Africa, and is the third longest river in Africa after the Nile River and Congo River.
What are the four major rivers in West Africa?
The four major rivers of Africa are the Nile (4,160 miles), the Congo (2,900 miles), the Niger (2,590 miles), and the Zambesi (1,700 miles). The Nile River is the longest river in the world.
What are the four main geographic regions of West Africa?
From north to south — from the Sahara to the humid southern coast — West Africa can be subdivided into five broad east-west belts that characterize the climate and the vegetation. These are the bioclimatic zones known as the Saharan, Sahelian, Sudanian, Guinean, and Guineo-Congolian Regions, shown in the map above.
Why did West Africans want to please nature spirits?
What is the most likely reason that early West Africans wanted to please nature spirits? to protect their ancestors from evil. to help them have success in battle. to increase their chances of becoming wealthy. to ensure their crops would get enough water.
How did geography affect trade in West Africa?
Geography and Trade Geography was a major factor in the development of West African societies. Settled communities grew south of the Sahara, where the land permitted farming. Geography also influenced trading patterns. Communities traded with one another for items they could not produce locally.