Effects of the discovery of iron technology in African societies?
Iron technology refers to technical innovation of iron tools that revolutionized human life and culture. By 200 B.C. Meroe area on the Upper Nile was a great iron smelting centre. In East Africa, it is believed that man started using iron tools from 1000 A.D. The discovery of iron technology in African societies had the following effects:-
(i) Improved production: It led to the improvement of productive forces like the use of hoes and axes which were better than stone tools and increased production.
(ii) Population growth: The improved tools of production led to the increase in food production which in turn led to population increase. Hence people could produce surplus thus ensuring food security. Also with iron technology man increased security against wild animals and enemies through the use of iron weapons.
(iii) Emergence of specialization: With iron technology there was an increase in division of labour leading to specialization, and thus increase in production of surplus.
(iv) Emergence of classes: With increased production some people became richer and for that they began exploiting the poor, there fore society became divided into classes of the exploited or the oppressor and the oppressed.
(v) It led to development of trade: The exchange and manufactured iron tools between different areas tremendously. Iron tools made man to engage in and exchange relations.
(vi) It led to permanent settlements as man was able/began cultivating permanent crops leading to development of complex commodities. This also marked the beginning of political institutions such as kinships and state organizations.
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