Evaluate the importance of trans-Saharan trade in gold and salt to African states.

The question requires candidates to make an appraisal of the significance of gold and salt in trans-Saharan trade weighing up their importance or otherwise. Candidates may refer to them as high-value commercial commodities and as main resources for the power and wealth of local kingdoms. States such as the Ghana and Mali Empires emerged and flourished due to their important strategic location on the trade routes, as they were able to levy taxes on the caravans carrying gold and salt which passed through their territories. The presence of traders from North Africa stimulated the spread of ideas and helped Islamify the region. Other relevant factors may be addressed, for example, the importance of territorial control of mines to the rise and decline of states, and the significance of trade to the expansion of markets and the growth of great cities such as Gao and Timbuktu. Gold dust was used as currency, which further facilitated the expansion of commerce. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

This question on the impact of the gold and salt trade was almost always very poorly done. Students showed little knowledge and produced short and very bland responses.