The two areas that made it possible for people in these ecosystems to use the trans-Saharan trade route are:
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Sahel: The Sahel is a semi-arid region that serves as a transitional zone between the Sahara Desert to the north and the more fertile areas to the south. Its location was crucial for trade, as it provided access to both the desert and the savanna. The Sahel's relatively moderate climate compared to the harsh conditions of the Sahara allowed for the cultivation of crops and the raising of livestock, which supported trading communities and facilitated trade networks.
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Savanna: The savanna regions, which are characterized by grasslands and scattered trees, provided agricultural land and resources. They were home to different communities that produced goods such as grains or livestock, which were essential for trade. The savanna's more hospitable climate and fertile soil allowed for the sustenance of larger populations, contributing to the trade networks that connected various regions across the Sahara.
These two areas, the Sahel and the Savanna, were vital in supporting the communities that participated in the trans-Saharan trade by providing necessary agricultural resources and acting as conduits for trade between the North African and sub-Saharan regions.