Question

Explain the impact of Portuguese rule along the coast

Answer 1

1. Introduction of new crops e.g. maize, ground nuts, cassava, pawpaws, guavas
2. Use of animal manure as fertilizer
3. Decline of coastal towns e.g. Gedi
4. Decline of trade
5. Enriched Kiswahili language with words from their language e.g. Mvinyo
6. Left land marks in E.A e.g. Vasco Da Gama pillar and Fort Jesus
7. Made attempt to spread Christianity
8. Portuguese fostered relations between coast and Goa
9. Introduction of guns increased warfare among the people
10. Harsh rule led to untold suffering among the people
11. Annexation of the coast opened E.A. to European colonization in the 19th C.