How did the ability to make iron tools affect food production and the types of jobs that villagers performed in west Africa?

Answer 1

The ability to make iron tools significantly improved food production in West Africa by enabling farmers to cultivate land more efficiently and effectively. Iron plows and hoes increased agricultural yields, allowing for the expansion of farming and the cultivation of diverse crops. This agricultural surplus led to a diversification of jobs, as fewer people were needed for farming, allowing some villagers to specialize in crafts, trade, and other professions, thus fostering economic development and social complexity in the region.