Briefly point out the origins of Agriculture and animal husbandry in West Africa?

Agriculture and animal husbandry in West Africa have ancient origins, dating back to at least 3000 BCE. The region's early inhabitants practiced shifting cultivation, growing crops such as millet, sorghum, and yams. They also domesticated animals such as cattle, sheep, and goats for food, milk, and labor. Over time, agricultural techniques and practices were refined and adapted to the diverse environments of West Africa, leading to the development of complex farming systems and trade networks.

Origins of Agriculture:

- Domestication of grains like pearl millet, sorghum, and rice around 8,000 BCE in the Sahel.
- Cultivation of root crops such as yams and cocoyams in the forest region.

Origins of Animal Husbandry:

- Domestication of cattle and sheep in the Sahel around 5,000 BCE.
- Introduction of goats and poultry to West Africa from outside sources.
- Pastoralism and nomadic herding emerged, particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions.