a. List any three articles of trade exported to North Africa from Western Sudan during the trans-Saharan trade. b. Highlight any four factors that contributed to the decline of the trans-Saharan trade.
(b) - The North African towns were embroiled in internal and external conflicts. - The cities of Gao, Timbuctu/Timbuktu and Janne declined in economic importance. - The Portuguese exploration of Africa opened a new window of trade with Europeans on the coast of West Africa. - As the trade in gold was declining the trade in slaves was increasing rapidly on the West African Coast. - The Europeans introduced items of trade which were cheaper and more attractive. - The Moroccan invasion of Songhai in the 16th century. - The power struggle in Bornu and Hausaland in the 17th and 18th Centuries. - Iron items were used for religious purposes.
