What factor most contributed to labor specialization in West Africa?

the growth of cities
ongoing wars
food surplus
the growth of gold trade

1 answer

The factor that most contributed to labor specialization in West Africa was food surplus. When agricultural productivity increased and communities could produce more food than they needed for subsistence, it allowed people to engage in other activities instead of just farming. This surplus enabled the development of specialized trades and professions, leading to a more complex society with various roles, including artisans, traders, and leaders, which fueled economic growth and urbanization.