Question

what most affected ancient west african trade?
lack of transportation
natural landforms
limited resources for trade
too many merchants

Explanation:

Ancient West African trade was significantly affected by the lack of efficient transportation methods. The geography of the region, with its vast deserts (like the Sahara) and difficult terrains, made it hard to move goods over long distances. Limited transportation options restricted the scale and reach of trade networks. While there were some resources for trade (like gold, salt), the problem was more about moving them. Having too many merchants would not be a negative - it could potentially boost trade. Natural landforms themselves are not the main issue; it's how they impacted transportation.

Answer:

lack of transportation