Question

how did the population of ghana change before the end of the ghana empire?

it decreased because farmers depleted northern africas resources.
it decreased after new trade routes opened in other parts of africa.
it increased because farming methods improved and irrigation was introduced.
it increased because the diseases became treatable.

Explanation:

Analyze the historical context of the Ghana Empire

The Ghana Empire (c. 300–1200 CE) relied heavily on its strategic position to control and tax the Trans-Saharan Trade routes, particularly the exchange of gold from the south for salt from the north.

Examine the causes of population decline

As the empire began to weaken in the 11th and 12th centuries, several factors contributed to a decline in its population. One major factor was environmental degradation, but another critical geopolitical factor was the shift in trade.

Evaluate the impact of shifting trade routes

When new goldfields were discovered further east (such as in Bure) and alternative trade routes opened up in other parts of West Africa, merchants began to bypass Ghana. This loss of trade monopoly severely weakened the empire's economy, leading to political instability, loss of resources, and a subsequent decrease in population as people migrated to more prosperous areas.

Assess the given options

• Option 1 suggests a decrease due to farmers depleting northern Africa's resources. While overgrazing and drought occurred locally in the Sahel, "northern Africa" is geographically incorrect as Ghana was in West Africa.
• Option 2 states that the population decreased after new trade routes opened in other parts of Africa. This aligns with historical consensus regarding the economic diversion that weakened the empire.
• Option 3 and Option 4 suggest population increases, which contradicts the historical decline and collapse of the empire's urban centers before its end.

Answer:

• (A) It decreased because farmers depleted northern Africa's resources.
• (B) It decreased after new trade routes opened in other parts of Africa. (Correct answer)
• (C) It increased because farming methods improved and irrigation was introduced.
• (D) It increased because the diseases became treatable.