Question

Explain five ways in which development of iron technology affected African communities.

Answer 1

1. It led to increased population due to increased food production
2. It led to specialization in production whereby people could now participate in craft industries ie weaving, pottery, cloth making and smithing
3. It increased warfare and intercommunity conflict since weapons like spears and arrows were made of iron
4. Iron weapons encouraged migration since communities were better armed and could easily protect themselves
5. Trade developed between communities as demand for iron and tools rose
6. Iron working led to rise of urban centres ie Meroe, Cairo, Tunis and Axum
7. Led to growth and development of empires ie Ghana and Buganda which developed out of iron working.