12. (a) Identify three documentary sources of information on the early visitors to the East African Coast. (3 marks)
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Diaries and Journals - Writings from explorers and missionaries, such as those of Vasco da Gama or missionaries like Johann Ludwig Krapf, provide firsthand accounts of their experiences and observations along the East African Coast.
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Travelogues - These are records of travel experiences by individuals who documented their journeys, such as those by the Arab traders and explorers who traveled to East Africa for trade and exploration.
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Historical and Trade Records - These include logs, shipping manifests, and trade agreements noted by trading companies and colonial administrations that document interactions and trade activities on the East African Coast.
(b) Explain six effects of the long-distance trade. (12 marks)
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Economic Growth - Long-distance trade increased the wealth of merchant classes and facilitated the growth of port cities along the East African Coast, stimulating local economies and creating new markets.
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Cultural Exchange - Trade led to the interaction of diverse cultures, resulting in the exchange of goods as well as ideas, languages, and religious practices. This significantly impacted local cultures and led to the development of Swahili culture.
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Urbanization - The increase in trade activities led to the growth of urban centers such as Kilwa, Mombasa, and Zanzibar, with significant demographic shifts as people moved to these trade hubs in search of economic opportunities.
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Social Stratification - The wealth generated from trade created a distinct class of affluent merchants, leading to social stratification and the establishment of hierarchies based on wealth and trade connections.
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Political Changes - Long-distance trade often resulted in the rise of powerful city-states and regional kingdoms that controlled trade routes, impacting local governance and political structures. This sometimes led to the establishment of stable leadership or conflicts over trade control.
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Environmental Impact - Increased trade led to the exploitation of natural resources, such as wood for shipbuilding or agricultural products for export, potentially causing environmental changes and resource depletion in some areas.
13. (a) Identify the three types of trade. (3 marks)
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Barter Trade - The direct exchange of goods and services without using money.
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Commodity Trade - The trade of raw materials or primary products, such as gold, ivory, and spices.
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Currency Trade - The exchange of goods and services using money as a medium, which allows for more complex transactions and trade systems.
(b) Explain six problems faced by the Trans-Saharan traders. (12 marks)
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Geographical Barriers - The vast and inhospitable Sahara Desert posed significant challenges including sandstorms, extreme temperatures, and the lack of water sources, making travel difficult and dangerous.
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Political Instability - Various political entities and shifting powers in North and West Africa often led to uncertainty and conflict, posing risks for travelers and traders.
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Banditry and Theft - The routes were often hazardous due to the presence of bandits and thieves who attacked caravans, demanding payment or stealing goods and supplies.
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Logistical Challenges - Managing larger caravans required extensive coordination, including organizing camel drivers, managing food and water supplies, and ensuring proper timing for travel, which could be complex in harsh conditions.
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Health Issues - Traders faced health risks due to diseases endemic to different regions, as well as the physical toll of long-distance travel in extreme environments, which could lead to high mortality rates.
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Market Fluctuations - Changes in demand and prices for goods could fluctuate rapidly due to political changes, rival traders, or shifts in consumer preferences, creating financial risks for traders who invested heavily in certain commodities.