answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

THE CAUSES OF THE MFECANE were emerging by the end of the eighteenth century, when population levels increased rapidly, and ecological resources were sometimes scarce. Communities that previously had often spread across the countryside or had repeatedly divided and moved along the frontier became more settled and more concentrated. The introduction of corn from the Americas through the Portuguese in Mozambique was one major reason for this trend. Corn produced more food than indigenous grasses on the same land, and thus could sustain a larger population. Trade in ivory with the Portuguese in Delagoa Bay was another factor that induced people to settle just south of Mozambique. Moreover, possibilities for population movement had become much more limited by the end of the eighteenth century because land was in short supply. Bantu-speaking farmers had reached the margins of arable land on the edge of the Kalahari Desert in the northwest and in the mountains on the southern border of the Highveld, and people settling in the area found their access to water more and more limited.

Declining rainfall in the last decades of the eighteenth century, followed by a calamitous ten-year drought that began about 1800, caused massive disruption and suffering. The adoption of corn as a major staple gave this drought an even greater impact than those of the past because corn needed much more water than local grains in order to produce. When the rains failed, therefore, the effect was devastating. People fought one another for meager supplies of grain and cattle, hunted down whatever game they could find, and sought out any remaining water supplies in a desperate attempt to survive. Warfare erupted, and two kingdoms--the Ndwandwe under the leadership of Zwide, and the Mthethwa under Dingiswayo--battled for control of resources. Both kingdoms became more centralized and militarized, their young men banded together in age regiments that became the basis for standing armies, and their kings became more autocratic as they fought for survival. The Ndwandwe appeared victorious in 1818 when Dingiswayo was killed and his forces scattered, but they were soon overcome by Shaka, founder of the Zulu state.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

Anonymous

Lvl 1
4y ago

food

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Anonymous

Lvl 1
4y ago

cattle

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What are the causes of the mfecane?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What were the causes of the mfecane war?

population increase


What are the main causes of mfecane war?

the main cause is rapid population increase


How did Mfecane impact on areas north of the Limpopo river?

Ads .


Were there any wars in the ancient Swahili trading states?

yes they are called the Mfecane wars


What was the impact of the Mfecane in. Changing Southern African society?

the workers also obtain housing and they are paid accodion to thier wages.


What was the impact of the mfecane in changing southern African society?

the workers also obtain housing and they are paid accodion to thier wages.


What is the effects of mfecane war?

-destruction of properties.migration of people, formation of strong kingdom, introduction of new military technic. decline of agricultural production.decline of trade activities,dearth of people. Separation of families


What has the author David Westley written?

David Westley has written: 'Mental health and psychiatry in Africa' -- subject(s): Abstracts, Mental Disorders, Mental health, Mental health services, Mental illness, Psychiatry 'A bibliography of Swahili language and linguistics' 'The Mfecane' -- subject(s): Bibliography, History


What are the causes of the fraternal causes?

causes of fraternities


Is An explanation of an event an account of its causes?

an account of its causes is remembering what it causes but an explanation is what it actually is not what it causes!...i think


Causes of Magnetic Drift?

causes of magnetic drift causes of magnetic drift causes of magnetic drift


Pokemon diamond which stones work on different Pokemon?

Fire Stone Causes Vulpix to evolve into Ninetales. Causes Growlithe to evolve into Arcanine. Causes Eevee to evolve into Flareon. Causes Pansear to evolve into Simisear. Water Stone Causes Poliwhirl to evolve into Poliwrath. Causes Shellder to evolve into Cloyster. Causes Staryu to evolve into Starmie. Causes Eevee to evolve into Vaporeon. Causes Lombre to evolve into Ludicolo. Causes Panpour to evolve into Simipour. Thunder Stone, Causes Pikachu to evolve into Raichu. Causes Eevee to evolve into Jolteon. Causes Eelektrik to evolve into Eelektross. Leaf Stone Causes Gloom to evolve into Vileplume. Causes Weepinbell to evolve into Victreebel. Causes Exeggcute to evolve into Exeggutor. Causes Nuzleaf to evolve into Shiftry. Causes Pansage to evolve into Simisage. Moon Stone Causes Nidorina to evolve into Nidoqueen. Causes Nidorino to evolve into Nidoking. Causes Clefairy to evolve into Clefable. Causes Jigglypuff to evolve into Wigglytuff. Causes Skitty to evolve into Delcatty. Causes Munna to evolve into Musharna. Sun Stone Causes Gloom to evolve into Bellossom. Causes Sunkern to evolve into Sunflora. Causes Cottonee to evolve into Whimsicott. Causes Petilil to evolve into Lilligant. Shiny Stone Causes Togetic to evolve into Togekiss. Causes Roselia to evolve into Roserade. Causes Minccino to evolve into Cinccino. Dusk Stone Causes Murkrow to evolve into Honchkrow. Causes Misdreavus to evolve into Mismagius. Causes Lampent to evolve into Chandelure. Dawn Stone Causes male Kirlia to evolve into Gallade. Causes female Snorunt to evolve into Froslass. Ever Stone If held, prevents a Pokémon from evolving.