This was a fairly popular question to candidates. Most candidates who attempted this question were able to identify the articles of trade as was demanded by the (a) part. However, the (b) part of the question was very challenging to some of the candidates and concentrated much on the organisation of the trade rather than the problems faced by Nigerians in the trade. Generally, candidates were expected to explain the following points in order to score good marks.
(a) (i) Gold;
(ii) Slaves;
(iii) Ivory;
(b) (i) Attacks from thieves or bandits who ambushed them and seized their goods along the trade routes;
(ii) hazard of the weather e.g. excess heat, rain and humidity which affected the traders;
(iii) huge loss of profit on goods due to bad weather;
(iv) ill health due to stress, snake bites and attack by dangerous animals;
(v) their means of transportation e.g. horses, bullocks and donkeys
were also affected by the bad weather.