Why and by whom was the Trans Sahara Trade organized? Explain

Answer 1

The Trans Sahara Trade was organized by various groups of merchants in order to facilitate the exchange of goods between regions in North Africa and West Africa, including the Sahara desert.

One reason for the trade was the need for certain goods that were not available in certain regions. For example, salt was scarce in West Africa, and so it was often brought from the Sahara region. Similarly, different types of cloth and textiles were produced in different regions, and so merchants would trade their goods in order to obtain these items.

Another reason for the trade was the rich natural resources found in many parts of the Sahara region, including gold, ivory, slaves, and various other commodities. These resources were highly sought-after by merchants and traders from other regions, and so the Trans Sahara Trade allowed them to acquire them and then transport them to other markets.

The trade was organized by a number of different groups, including Berber traders, Arab merchants, and various African tribes and kingdoms. These groups established trade routes and networks, as well as towns and settlements where they would meet to exchange goods. Many of these towns became important centers of commerce and culture, with a diverse mix of people and influences from multiple regions.

The Trans Sahara Trade played a significant role in the cultural and economic development of North Africa and West Africa, as well as other regions connected to the trade routes. It also had a lasting impact on the history and culture of these regions, as evidenced by the many artifacts and cultural artifacts that have been discovered in and around the trade routes.