Population and Capitalist Development in Precolonial West Africa

Abstract

Precolonial West Africa was underpopulated. The reasons were geographic factors epidemics and slave raiding and trading. Reconsideration of the number of slaves suggests that the number of slaves traded in North America from North Africa are underestimated. The impact of slave trading and raiding is not just numerical but also affects other factors which impact on population growth such as the sex ratio and the ability of people to produce sufficient food. In West African coastal states and Kasar Kano populations were large and dense and the economy expanded. In Birnin population growth is estimated to have increased from 30000-40000 people in the early 1820s to about 100000 by the late 1800s. Figures are based on tourists estimates. Population was concentrated around political and administrative centers. In the earlier periods slaves were imported and used to increase production in agricultural areas. Numbers of slaves are estimated at about 21000 captured slaves in 21 settlements during 7 years in the late 15th century. By 1700 the population and the economy had expanded; population growth peaks were in 1850. The Jihad wars and the Rabeh invasion of the Chad Basin accounted for large movements of population in the 19th century. Kano offered peace and economic opportunities and although captives were imported there was protection from slave trading or raiding. There was also a low cost of living. Population density encouraged population growth and ownership of large farms. Labor for wages evolved as a new means of production. Specialization by commodity type and location appeared. Output increased under conditions of increased demand for goods and availability of cheap labor and capital. Slave ownership became profitable. The ratio of slaves to free people ranged from 32:1 to 1:1. Freedom could be purchased. Obstacles to growth were inadequate export markets particularly in low density areas in African regions and the large slave population in West Africa which could not afford commodities. External markets were at a distance and among the wealthy. Production was limited by slave raids and even traders could be sold upon capture into slavery. The price of exported goods increased due to the cost and insecurity of travel the raids customs taxes and distances traveled.