To what extent was the Almoravid jihad responsible for the fall of the Ghana Empire?

The question requires that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that the Almoravid jihad was responsible for the fall of the Ghana Empire. Candidates may offer equal coverage of the role of the Almoravid jihad of 1076–1077 on the fall of the Ghana Empire and other factors, or they may prioritize their assessment of one over the other. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. Candidates may refer to the Almoravid jihad weakening the Empire by cutting off trade routes; the capture of major trading cities such as Audaghast in 1054; the jihad interfering with Ghana’s control of the nomads, thus weakening their political position. Other relevant factors may be addressed such as overgrazing and the loss of its natural resources. Candidates may refer to the destruction of what was left of Ghana by Sundiata, who then incorporated it into Mali. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.