Modlue 20:

Question 1

What were the economic activities of Indigenous communities in the Animal Husbandry and Agriculture stage?

Answer 1

Economic activities were aimed at subsistence, including hunting, gathering, herding, and bartering.

Question 2

Who were the first indigenous people in South Africa, and what was their primary economic activity?

Answer 2

The San were the first indigenous people in South Africa, and they were hunter-gatherers.

Question 3

What economic activities did the Khoikhoi engage in?

Answer 3

The Khoikhoi were nomadic herders of sheep, goats, and cattle, and they traded and mined copper, iron, and gold.

Question 4

What are some key characteristics of the Nguni-speaking groups during the Animal Husbandry and Agriculture stage?

Answer 4

They migrated from the Great Lakes region, cultivated land, domesticated animals, practiced a subsistence-based economy, and used slash and burn methods for crops.

Question 5

When did the European settlers arrive in South Africa, and what impact did they have on agriculture?

Answer 5

The European settlers arrived in 1652, introducing wine and commercial farming, and later in 1806, British colonization led to livestock and crop farming.

Question 6

What were the main commodities in the Animal Husbandry and Agriculture stage, and where were they primarily produced?

Answer 6

Main commodities were wheat (Cape), wool (Western and Eastern Cape), hides and skins, and wine (improved by French Huguenots).

Question 7

“Arable farming.”

Answer 7

Arable farming is the large-scale cultivation of field crops.

Question 8

What is meant by “Communal” in the context of indigenous economic activities?

Answer 8

Communal refers to resources or land shared by all members of a group.

Question 9

“Indigenous”

Answer 9

Indigenous means native to a particular area.

Question 10

What is a “Mercantilist policy”?

Answer 10

A mercantilist policy is a system where colonies are established for the benefit of the mother country.

Question 11

What role did harbours play in promoting economic development?

Answer 11

Harbours were built along key trade routes (e.g., Table Bay, Algoa Bay, Durban) to facilitate imports and exports.

Question 12

What was the significance of steam trains in economic development?

Answer 12

Steam trains facilitated the importing and exporting of goods, enhancing trade efficiency.

Question 13

How did railways contribute to economic development?

Answer 13

Private railways from Cape Town to Durban were developed to transport agricultural products, promoting trade.

Question 14

How did shipbuilding in Britain influence economic development?

Answer 14

Shipbuilding in Britain enabled the trade of raw materials and agricultural products with British colonies.

Question 15

What was the impact of British rule on trade in South Africa?

Answer 15

British rule reduced customs duties on Cape wine imports and allowed for freedom of trade and marketing.

Question 16

How did European settlers contribute to economic development?

Answer 16

European settlers improved farming techniques, introduced commercial farming, and recorded imports and exports.

Question 17

What was the purpose of importing labour during this stage?

Answer 17

Slaves and other labourers were imported to work on farms and in sugar cane fields, boosting agricultural productivity.

Question 18

How did mercantilist policies hamper economic development?

Answer 18

Mercantilist policies exploited colonies for resources and limited their trading and farming opportunities.

Question 19

What were some environmental challenges that hampered economic development?

Answer 19

The interior’s long distances between water sources, poor transport facilities, and lack of navigable rivers and mountains created obstacles.

Question 20

How did political rivalries and divisions affect economic development?

Answer 20

Wars and conflicts led to the displacement of indigenous communities, disrupting their economic activities.

Question 21

What were the consequences of poor grasslands quality?

Answer 21

Indigenous farming practices, such as no mixed farming or crop rotation, led to ecological damage, including deforestation and burning.

Question 22

How did the lack of literacy and technological advancements hamper economic development?

Answer 22

The lack of mass production and economies of scale due to limited technological development restricted economic growth.

Question 23

What were the economic consequences of the Animal Husbandry and Agriculture stage?

Answer 23

There was a shift from hunting and gathering to livestock and wine farming, with the development of markets, transport infrastructure, and improved farming techniques.